The House Committee on Appropriations, spearheaded by Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, terminated the budget hearing on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed budget of P2.3 million this coming 2023. 

The proceedings for the OVP’s budget hearing was automatically approved without any interpellation upon the motion of House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan.

“While some members of the Makabayan bloc would like to provide questions on some new items in the budget… They will provide questions in the plenary to extend courtesy to the Office of the Vice President and therefore, Mr. Speaker, I move that we terminate the briefing of the Office of the Vice President,” Libanan said.

The committee chair encouraged his fellow colleagues to fully support the budget proposed by the OVP as it will lead to good governance and transparency. 

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her gratitude to the committee for its swift transition of the budget and she is open to give a helpful hand should the committee have a question or clarification. 

“If there is anything we can do to help you as an office in your respective mandates, in your legislative districts and partylists, please do let us know. We are open to collaborations in helping our fellow Filipinos,” Duterte said.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez also supported the VP’s advocacy on applying a good brand of leadership for the educational sectors and other sectors. 

“Salamat, Vice President Inday Sara Duterte, sa pagbisita dito sa amin sa Office of the Speaker. Malaking karangalan na makasama sa paglalakbay mo sa larangan ng serbisyo publiko,” Romualdez said.

Photo Credit: House Of Representatives Official Website