Lawmakers approved the bicameral conference committee report for the P6.532-trillion national budget for 2025, where the P1.3-billion reduction in funding of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) remained. There was no increase in the OVP's P733 million allocation, something that disappointed the allies of Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Sen. Grace Poe, the OVP did not request additional funds after the deduction, nor submitted a document to prove the need to restore the original budget.
Rep. also criticized Zaldy Co the overlapping projects of OVP such as financial and burial assistance, which he said is already double the programs of other agencies. Instead, the eliminated funds were allocated to agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Removal of Subsidy for PhilHealth
Congress removed the subsidy allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) due to its unused P600 billion funds. Criticized by senators like Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Sen. JV Ejercito the lack of funds, which they said could be against the Universal Health Care Law and cause an impact on the health services of Filipinos.
Increases and Decreases in the Budget of Different Agencies
While agencies like DSWD, CHED, and DOH experienced huge budget cuts, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received more than P1 trillion in funds—the first time this has happened. There was also an increase in the budget of the Department of National Defense, Department of Tourism, and other agencies.
Unprogrammed Funds
While agencies like DSWD, CHED, and DOH experienced huge budget cuts, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received more than P1 trillion in funds—the first time this has happened. There was also an increase in the budget of the Department of National Defense, Department of Tourism, and other agencies.
The budget approval is expected to be signed by President Marcos on December 20, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
