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Advocates Philippines
House Cuts OVP's 2026 Budget Amid Attendance Dispute
Photo credit: Sara Duterte
The House of Representatives has approved a reduction in the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed 2026 budget, trimming it from ₱889.24 million to ₱733.2 million.
The cut follows Vice President Sara Duterte’s absence during the plenary deliberations on the OVP’s budget. Duterte had set conditions for her attendance, including the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the lifting of an immigration lookout order on certain OVP personnel. These conditions were not met, leading to her non-attendance.
Rep. Leila de Lima moved to restore the OVP’s budget to its 2025 level of ₱733 million, citing Duterte’s absence as a sign of disrespect towards the House. “Public money is not a toy… It is a trust. And until the Vice President learns respect, this House must act as the parent that disciplines a brat,” de Lima stated.
The approved budget now matches the OVP’s 2025 allocation, after reductions in its confidential and intelligence funds last year.
The cut follows Vice President Sara Duterte’s absence during the plenary deliberations on the OVP’s budget. Duterte had set conditions for her attendance, including the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the lifting of an immigration lookout order on certain OVP personnel. These conditions were not met, leading to her non-attendance.
Rep. Leila de Lima moved to restore the OVP’s budget to its 2025 level of ₱733 million, citing Duterte’s absence as a sign of disrespect towards the House. “Public money is not a toy… It is a trust. And until the Vice President learns respect, this House must act as the parent that disciplines a brat,” de Lima stated.
The approved budget now matches the OVP’s 2025 allocation, after reductions in its confidential and intelligence funds last year.
Oct 10, 2025
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