Office of the Vice President Budget Overview

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen. This briefing on the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President is now called to order. First, I would like to thank and recognize and acknowledge the presence of Vice President Sarah Duterte and the entire OVP delegation. Good afternoon, guys. I'm sorry. Good afternoon. For orderly procedure, we begin with a presentation of the OVP. After that, we will open the floor for questions. Our tradition is to give preference to the Senate officers and then in order of arrival. I would like to acknowledge the presence of my colleague in today's budget briefing, Senator Cynthia Villar and of course, Senator Aimee Marcos. Puro mga babae ngayon yung present. So we will begin with a brief. a brief opening statement before we have a briefing if you have any opening statement then okay we shall begin now with the briefing of the office of the vice president thank you madam chair to our distinguished senators good afternoon i am pleased to introduce the members of the ovp delegation attorney zulaika t lopez chief of staff lemel g or tony assistant chief of staff please raise your hand so that they will know who you are Attorney Roselyne Sanchez, Director for Administrative and Financial Services Office. Attorney Sunshine Chary Fajarda, Director for Strategic Management Office. Norman Baloro, Director for Operations. Attorney Emily Rose Torrentira, Head Legal Affairs. Julieta Villa-Del Rey, Chief Accountant. Amard Eje, Chief Disaster Operations Center. Maria Adeline Rabago, Officer in Charge, Budget Division. Colonel Raymond Dante LaChica, Vice President, Security and Protection Group. May I request the Secretariat to present our OVP. Thank you. The Office of the Vice President's mission to deliver efficient, accessible, and responsive public service has already reached millions of Filipinos across the country, and the promise of a remarkable and meaningful impact is gleaned from the strength, hard work, and optimism shown by the individuals, groups, and communities being served by the OVP through its interventions that offer immediate and long-term solutions. These interventions were designed, developed, and implemented through the OVP's collaboration with various government agencies, local government units, private groups, people's organizations, and individual partners. The Office of the Vice President, the second highest government office in the Philippines, an institution for public service, an institution of nation-building, an institution of change, stability, and progress. The OVP is an institution committed to the success of its programs and initiatives intended to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of Filipinos. Under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte, the Office of the Vice President has steadfastly worked to deliver essential social services across different regions of the country. The OVP is an active participant in the development of the OVP. in the movement to achieve the nation's aspiration to have a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future. We at the OVP continue to share in the noble mission of improving the quality of life of every Filipino family, especially those in the most underserved communities. We provide vital public assistance programs. that ensure support, aid in the plight of the vulnerable sectors, and help alleviate the challenges of poverty in many communities. From January 2023 to July 2024, over P360 million combined amount was successfully allocated to urgently address our people's pressing need for medical and burial assistance. A total amount of 364,383,041. $187,000 worth of medical assistance were provided to a total of 79,721 beneficiaries while $99,240,000 worth of burial assistance were given. to 19,882 beneficiaries from various parts of the country. We have carried on in this tireless pursuit by rendering public assistance to thousands of Filipinos through OVP satellite offices in Luzon. Cagayan Valley, Pangasinan, and Bicol. In Visayas, Panay and Negros Islands, Eastern Visayas, and Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor. And in Mindanao, Caraga, Western Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, and BAM, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. In addition, two extension offices of the Public Assistance Division were also opened in Lipa, Batam. and Tondo Manila. Each satellite office and extension office across the country complement the functions of the central office in Robinson Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluya. For fiscal year 2024, the OVP has a 1.885 billion peso available budget under the General Appropriations Act. As of June 30, 2024, the OVP has already obligated 40% of the allotment received or equivalent to 826.605 million pesos with a disbursement rate of 70% or 518.379 million pesos. In our goal of making sure that our people are afforded with safe, accessible and secured commute, The Office of the Vice President has offered free transportation services to 414,734 Filipinos from January to June 2024. A total of seven buses were deployed to transport passengers in Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, and Metro Manila. Following the recent calamity that has disrupted the lives of our people in Luzon and some parts of Visayas, we have also intensified our efforts to deliver immediate relief and assistance to affected communities. In adherence to our objective of saving lives and ensuring the utmost safety of all, 462,867 individuals and 134,168 families have benefited. from the relief operations mobilized by our disaster operations center from january to june 2024 a total of 58.3 million pesos were effectively allocated to various resource mobilization endeavors in support of all undertakings that aid ovpdoc's relief and rescue activities We at the Office of the Vice President continue to rally behind the pursuit of environmental preservation while underscoring the value of education and oral health through the Pagpapago, a million learners and trees campaign. The program is a two-pronged intervention of the Office of the Vice President to provide hope and encouragement to Filipino learners and champion care for our environment. From January 2023 to July 2020. We are pleased to say that over 300,000 trees were planted across many communities all over the country, while over 175,000 bags with dental kits and school supplies were distributed to thousands of young learners in many remote school communities. In ensuring adequate and sustained nutritional support to Filipino school children, the Pan Serap program has provided a total of of 1,216,510 pan-serok pans, which were distributed to several identified school communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Our mission lies in our unwavering resolve to equip every young learner through nutrition while leading them to a healthier future where they can actively nurture their growth potential. Aligning with the agenda of food security and sufficiency. we successfully initiated the distribution of rice bags and food packs to 36,260 Filipino families and individuals who are facing the challenges of hunger and food insecurity. The RISE program of the Office of the Vice President is conducted to extend immediate relief and provide necessary support to our disadvantaged Filipinos under difficult situations. We reiterate our goal of helping our people. realize their hopes for better quality of life by paving avenues that urge urgently address their most present needs. Likewise, we remain committed to our mission to promote social economic development among women and members of the LGBTQ plus communities by providing livelihood and employment opportunities to the qualified recipients of the LGBTQ plus program. Magne Gosha Tadai program. From January 2023 to July 2024, a total of 1,965,000 worth of livelihood assistance was successfully granted to 50 qualified recipients. They will also undergo technical and financial management training to ensure the success of their projects. We also continue in our resolve to uphold the value of transformational and servant leadership among the Filipino youth through the You Can Be VP program. By promoting immersive opportunities that present the intricacies of governance and policy formulation, we hope that we can inspire them to become a great leader in the world of government. equipped, and exemplary students with a genuine regard for their nation's welfare. Covering the period of January 2023 to June 2024, 255 local and international engagements were attended by the Office of the Vice President to show support and express our gratitude for the commendable social, civic, and development efforts undertaken by various organizations in the public and private sector. For 2020, 2025 the recommended budget for OVP is 2.37 billion pesos an 8.05 increase compared to the current year appropriation amounting to 1.885 billion pesos This proposal once approved will enable the OVP to continue the operations of the satellite offices And extension offices it will also ensure the success of the expanded OVP's social services Hand in hand, we will usher in innovation, carry on transformative progress, and shape a more prosperous future for our people, our communities, and our country. The OVP shares the hopes, aspirations, and dreams of the Filipinos, and we at the OVP take pride that it is an institution that puts the welfare of the Filipinos at the heart of its mission. The OVP commits to lead, serve, uplift, and empower the Filipinos. The second president of the Philippines'administration, will lead, serve, and empower the Filipinos. We are always true to the country. We request Maria Edwin Rabagod, the OIC of the Budget Division, to present the salient points of the OVP budget for fiscal year 2025. Good afternoon Madam Chair and to the members of the committee. Presenting the highlights and salient features of the FY 2025 proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President. Under the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program, The Department of Budget and Management has recommended a budget of 2.037 billion pesos vis-a-vis the 3.24 billion proposal of the Office of the Vice President. The amount recommended is 8.05% higher than the FY2024 budget as appropriated. This composed of the following. The recommended personal services budget for FY2025 is 9.25% of the total recommended budget. It covers 149 field positions, special duty allowance for military and uniformed personnel, salary for non-permanent positions. It also includes provision for terminal leave benefits of mandatory retirees, loyalty award and anniversary bonus for OVP personnel. The total personnel services including the R-LIF for FY 2025 is P188.514 million. Recommended MOOE or the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses for FY 2025 is equivalent to P1.792 billion. Significant portion of the total MOOE is allocated for the financial assistance or subsidies and supplies and materials or welfare goods which account for 52.86% and 15.92% of the total MOOE. The MOOE is 87.98% of the total budget. The total capital outlay is 2.77% of the total recommended budget. This covers the procurement of motor vehicles in relation to the ceremonial, diplomatic, and advocacy-based engagements of the Office of the Vice President. It also includes ICT equipment and various machineries and equipment. By appropriation source, 2.026 billion or 99.5% is under the agency-specific and 0.05% is under the retirement and life insurance benefits. The appropriated budget of the OVP beginning 2019 is above P500 million. It has been consistently increasing since then and under the current year appropriation, the OVP has P1.885 billion. While the appropriation is consistently increasing, the obligation rate remained in good standing and maintained the rate at above 90%. The DBM recommended the budget of P2.037 billion for fiscal year 2025. vis-à-vis the P3.24 billion proposal, which is 8.05% higher than the FY2024 budget as appropriated due to the expansion of the socioeconomic services of the Office of the Vice President, which was proposed under Tier 2. Of the total OVP proposed budget, P1.269 billion or 62% is allotted for the socioeconomic programs of the OVP. As the second highest office in the land, the OVP aims to promote the welfare of every Filipino in line with its vision to create lasting impact on the lives of every Filipino through its socioeconomic programs and services. With this, the OVP established satellite offices and extension offices in key areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to provide Filipinos with immediate access to the services offered by the OVP. In 2023, we were able to cater to 977,615 beneficiaries out of the 670,300 target. And as of June 30 this year, we have served 684,830 out of the 1,013,620 target beneficiaries. And for 2025, we target to cater 1,139,244 beneficiaries. For the fiscal year 2023, we have 977,615 total beneficiaries of all OVP services delivered, 793 strategic partnership established or strengthened, 98% of requests acted upon within standard processing time, 100% of projects with partners implemented as planned, 97% average satisfaction ratings for OVP services, and 489 ceremonial engagements completed. As to financial performance, out of the P2,447 billion pesos allotment, we have obligated P2,259 billion pesos with an obligation rate of 92% and we have disbursed P2,096 billion pesos with a disbursement rate of 93%. As of June 30 of this year, we have 684 4,830 beneficiaries of all OVP services delivered, 287 strategic partnerships established or strengthened, 98.8% of requests acted upon within standard processing time, 98.7% of projects with partners implemented as planned, 97.3% average satisfaction ratings of OVP services, and 255 ceremonial engagements completed. As to financial performance of the first semester of the fiscal year 2024, out of the P2.072 billion allotment, we have obligated P826.6 million with an obligation rate of 40% and disbursed P518.379 million with a disbursement rate of 70%. As the second highest office in the land, The OVP carries out functions that complements work of other government agencies while advancing the well-being of the Filipino people. With a mission to deliver efficient, accessible, and responsive public services, our work resonates at the core of our nation's welfare and progress. Thank you very much. Thank you, Ma'am Adeline. Madam Chair, the OVP is ready to accept questions before we open the floor for questions. Senator Batod de la Rosa would like to give an opening statement. Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to express my utmost support for the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President for Fiscal Year 2025 under the leadership of our esteemed Vice President, Sarah Duterte. Government service is making the most out of what little resources an office may possess. It is about finding ways to promote the general welfare of the people, however limiting or restricting the circumstances are. The OVP can only do so much with its annual budget, but it has set a good example to other government offices and agencies in maximizing funds. Vice President Sarah Duterte could have just stood by and done nothing, but she chose a more proactive role in furthering the noble cause of Bangon, Pilipinas, which is inclusivity in achieving economic and social growth. I have full confidence that the leadership... of our Vice President is guided by her deep commitment to unite a country whose political landscape is constantly beset by indivision. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Bato. Senator Bongo will now give his opening statement. Good afternoon to all of us. I just want to express my support for the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President for the year 2025 as a... Proud the Boenio, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable work of VP Inday Sara Duterte. I can attest to the positive impact she has made on every community and the entire nation. In the past years, the OVP has had programs that give true benefits to our citizens, from medical assistance to relief operations, educational support, health care programs, and free transport, among others. In fact, The Libreng Sakay program has already served more than 638,000 passengers in Metro Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao in 2023 alone. I remember that a bus was borrowed from me in 2019 and now it was also borrowed from the OVP so that more of our fellow citizens, commuters, can benefit from the Libreng Sakay program. In addition, we recently supported the office of the Vice President. To further augment its free bus rides, may ruta na po ito mula sa PITX hanggang na Ikawite at operational na po ito August 14. Malaking tulong po ito sa ating mga commuters dahil ang pamasahing may titipid po nila, 90 pesos hanggang 100 pesos. Bawat piso po ay napakahalaga po ito sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino, lalo lalo na po yung mga mahirap nating kababayan. Ang programang ito ay tunay na nakakatulong sa pagpapagaan ng kanilang araw-araw na pamumuhay. We should support this. And we laud the calamity and disaster response of the OVP, which helped provide immediate relief assistance to more than 100,000 families affected by floods, fire, earthquake, among others. Again, I would like to express my full support to the budget of the Office of the Vice President. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Bongol. I would like to recognize Senator Jinggoy Estrada for his opening. Thank you, Madam Chair. The Office of the Vice President has been an active partner of various government agencies in providing vital services to our Cabo Boyan, thus fulfilling its mandate to improve their lives and livelihood. Through the various programs that the OVP implements, our countrymen in the marginalized sector are empowered to become contributors to our nation's progress. For the year 2025, the OVP will implement two new programs that aim to promote education and health. One of the programs is the Educational Assistance Program, which will reach out to the poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged families. Another one is the Wheelchair Program, which will cater to individuals in need of wheelchairs. I am certain that these programs will greatly benefit our people. In fact, this is also what we often hear from our representatives here in the Senado. and we are excited that the Office of Vice President will launch programs to address this. Thank you very much to our second president, Vice President Zara Zimmerman Duterte, for her loving service to our countrymen. Many people are hoping for the programs you are implementing and because of this, we will continue to support the provision of sufficient funds so that you can continue to help. Madam Chair, I would like to manifest my steadfast support. for the approval of the proposed to 2025 budget of the office of the vice president thank you madam chair thank you senator jingoy um senator ime marcos or senator cynthia villar do you have any opening i just want to manifest my full support for the budget of the vice president thank you No introductory statements thus far, but from what I've seen, I think the limited budget of the Office of the Vice President is an illustration that budgetary restraints should not serve as limitations in performing, but should inspire other government offices to be more innovative and to have more initiative. So it should. It should be an illustration of how we should really deliver services to the people. So thank you, the Office of the Vice President. I am here to show my full support to the immediate passage of the budget of the Office of the Vice President. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Tarantino. I'd like to acknowledge the presence of my colleagues here today. I think I've only... Acknowledge two, I should acknowledge also Senator Tolentino, Senator Bongo, earlier Senator Bato, Senator Jingoy Estrada, and now Senator Risa Conteveros. Well, it's supposed to be Senator... I mean, but then she doesn't really. Okay, then Senator Risa is now recognized. She's just catching her breath because she came from two other obligations. One is the commission on appointments and another hearing. Salamat po, Chair. At magandang hapon po sa lahat, mga kasama ko sa Senado at yung OVP family. Dalawang tanong lang po, Chair, para ngayong araw. Una po, I note that a huge chunk of the OVP's 2025 operations budget, 1.909 billion pesos, will be used for the delivery of socioeconomic programs, such as one medical and burial assistance program. This supplements other healthcare programs of the government to assist indigent individuals and families. For 2025, 771.445 million pesos will be used for the delivery of socioeconomic programs. will be allocated for the program. Sa loob niyan, P600 million for medical assistance and P171.45 million for burial assistance, which are, Madam Chair, very similar to the Medical Assistance to Indigent or Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, or MAIFIP, of the DOH and DSWDs, Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations, or AICs. Second, disaster operations, which aims to provide relief goods to disaster-stricken areas not commonly reached by other agencies. For that, P101.644 million. And it's also similar to the disaster risk management program of the DSWD. Third, relief for individuals in crisis and emergencies, or providing food boxes or food items. to families who are ineligible for OVP's other services, so P50 million, which is also similar to DSWD's AICS. And last, Magnegosyo Taday, livelihood assistance for those with entrepreneurial skills, P150 million, which is also similar to DOLES, Integrated Livelihood Program, or DLIP. So, my question here, Madam Chair, What led the OVP to consider launching these programs? Were there studies conducted to support the existence of these programs that are parallel to the existing programs of our different line agencies, Madam Chair? Yes, Madam Chair. Thank you. When I was in the campaign, I only said three platforms. First, work. Second, education. And third, a peaceful life for our citizens. When we entered the office of the Vice President, we looked at... the most requested requests from our fellow citizens. First of all, the requests we always receive are medical and burial assistance. Second, financial assistance. Third, they always ask for help with food. And fourth, very recently, in the chain of requests, Yes, the link of requests is the educational assistance that our countrymen are saying. We always tell them that public schools are free. Now, higher educational institutions are also free. But they say they are having a hard time with the school bus, they are having a hard time with the children's food and shelter. That's why we have something new. This is educational assistance. At ang panghuli naman, lagi naming natatanggap na request galing sa ating mga kababayan ay kapag sila ay naging biktima ng disaster, whether man-made or natural disasters. So sila po ay lumalapit sa Office of the Vice President. Totoo po, merong mga ibang local government units at ibang... national government agencies, na ganito po ang kanilang programa. Pero po, nung ako ay umupo as Vice President, I took an oath. And doon sa oath, I said that I will do justice to every man. So hindi po kami pwedeng humindi sa mga tao na humihingi ng tulong, lalong-lalo na ay kaparte ng gobyerno ang Office of the Vice President. Salamat. VP, Madam Chair, Sabi nga ng VP, Madam Chair, libre na yung public school, libre na rin yung higher education, bagamat ni-note nila na sinasabi ng mga nagre-request na nahihirapan pa rin sila sa ilang mga programs na nakalodge sa ilalim ng libreng edukasyon na iyan. Kaya nga...... They considered launching these kinds of programs. Will the VP consider lodging the budgets of these programs to the line agencies? And will the OVP request allocation to sync with the priorities of the Executive Department instead of having a separate program, but a program like the one of Madam Chair? Madam Chair, we only submit the budget and we leave it to the discretion of all the members of Congress to decide on the budget. We can only propose a budget for the Office of the Vice President. Pero magbibigay po ako ng halimbawa kung ganun po ang gagawin natin tulad po ng AICS ng DSWD. Kapag meron po kaming nire-refer, or they are being endorsed by AICS in the DSWD. Usually, we can't get an answer because it comes from the Office of the Vice President and it's an enemy. Sometimes, it's true that assistance for our countrymen is political. So, I will repeat, people don't look at... politika. Tumitingin lang sila na itong opisina na ito ay opisina ng gobyerno at pwede kaming humingi ng tulong doon. And so I go back to the oath that I shall do justice to every man at kaya po kami nandito at kaya po kami merong mga ganito ng mga projects sa office of the Vice President. Salamat VP Madam Chair. Wini-welcome ko yung sinabi nila na... The VP would leave it to the discretion of the members of Congress. Medyo nagitla ako nung sinabing minsan pag may nire-refer ang OVP para sa AICS, ang feedback ay kalaban yan. Dahil Madam Chair, I believe tayo sa Kongreso when we appropriate the budget, merong implicit na assumption tayo doon na pagkatapos in the exercise of our oversight function, Yung parehong level ng professionalism we demand of ourselves ay presumption of regularity. Ina-expect natin sa lahat ng members ng executive, lalo na when they are working together. Kaya gaya ng sinabi ko kanina, wini-welcome ko yung sinabi ni VP na they would leave it to the discretion of the members of Congress. And tayo naman ay hindi tayo bibitaw sa mahigpit nating... Pag-ensure na these programs be implemented by the appropriate agencies o kahit in collaboration with each other na naaayon talaga sa tamang standards above partisan politics. And therefore, at the proper time, Madam Chair, gagawa ako ng proper motion para ilodge yung budgets ng mga programang ito sa line agencies na may klarong... opportunity for OVP na mag-request for allocation as for other offices in the executive. Yung huling tanong ko sa ngayon, Madam Chair, for 2025, one of the OVP's programs, Pagbabago Campaign, a Million Learners and Trees, involves the provision of bags to one million learners in remote communities while initiating tree planting activities. This gets an appropriation of 100 million pesos. Part of this campaign is an allocation of 10 million pesos for the distribution of Isang Kaibigan Books, a children's book authored by the VP. Can the VP tell us? Let me make a rebuttal and another example of politicizing the budget of the government. This is what Senator Risa Antiveros said, that at the proper time, she'll make a motion to lodge the budget, the requested budget of the OVP to the other agencies. Let me just quote Senator Risa during the Akbayan Congress. I know that Duterte has a lot of problems that we have a hard time cleaning up. The darkness of his time really hit our society. It's a difficult time to get rid of. And while his son still has power, our fight will not be easy. While VP Sara is in power, the threat of a full-blown Duterte comeback is still a very real and present danger. For one, they are supported. by one major superpower, China. So that is an example of politicizing the budget of the government. May we request, Madam Chair, that Senator Risa Antiveras repeat the last question? I will certainly, if you request, Madam Chair, repeat my question because there is nothing to know from what the VP just said. We all know that he is a member of different parties. Our speeches to our fellow members in the party congresses are separate events here in the budget debates. So I really take exception to what the VP said, that it's a rebuttal because it's an example of politicizing. In fact, I didn't ask about China or anyone else in this budget hearing. I am asking about the national budget that we will pass to the congress. for the Philippines in 2025. And my second and last question for now, before I make, at the proper time, propose an amendment which may or may not be accepted by the Chair and by the colleagues, so that our money can be aligned, especially if our fiscal space is tight, to the appropriate programs, to the appropriate agencies, so that the OVP can freely... partner sa kanila tulad ng sino pang opisina sa executive. Ang tanong ko po ay ilang mga libro ng isang kaibigan ay bibilihin at i-distribute at if the VP could tell us more about the contents ng librong ito. Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the book is not for sale. We only pay for the publication of the book and we will send Senator Antiveros, a copy, so that she will know what is the content of the book. Oh, this question is not only for me, Madam Chair, but also for the members of the Budget Hearing. Maybe a few more days before I can send it and read it, which I certainly will. But I am asking a question as a member of the Budget Hearing, as the head of agency of an office in the Executive here in this Budget Hearing. It's a simple question. Tell us more about the book, Isang Kaibigan, at ilang kopya nito ang bibilihin ng gobyerno sa halagang 10 milyong piso at ididistribute sa kasama ng mga bags sa 1 million learners sa remote communities. Madam Chair. Madam Chair, this is an example of politicizing. the budget hearing through the questions of a senator. Ang problema niya kasi, nakalagay yung pangalan ko doon sa libro. At yung libro na yan, ibibigay namin doon sa mga bata. At yung mga bata na yan, may mga magulang na buboto. At yung pangalan ko ay nagkalat doon sa kung saan man ibibigay yung libro. Madam Chair, we commit to send... tomorrow, everyone in this room a copy of the book? Madam Chair, I don't understand the way our resource person is. It is a simple question. Again and again, this is politicizing. The VP mentioned the word vote. I didn't say vote. I'm simply asking, I can't imagine we're making so much trouble, so much fuss about a 10 million peso item. I'm just asking simply, what is the book about? And how many copies will the government buy at a price of P10 million and distribute? I don't appreciate this kind of attitude, Madam Chair. Usually, our resource persons give both institutional courtesy to the legislature that we give to the executive. I don't appreciate this kind of attitude. Madam Chair. Yes, Madam Chair. I also don't understand the role of Senator Risa Ontiveros. I do not appreciate this kind of behavior and attitude. Madam Chair, in 2016, Senator Risa Ontiveros ran away. Senator, how many people did she lose? Two, Madam Chair. Okay, two. She was scared of her third loss. He went to Davao, asked for help. He was helped by a Davao officer who now doesn't support him. He asked for help from me, thinking that President Rodrigo Duterte would not win. He talked to me in my law office in Davao City. I told him, okay, I'll help you. He gave me a kiss. Then he left. Of course, he's not helping President Duterte. What I said is not true. I said I would help you. He texted me. Can I follow up on my request for help with voting in Davao City? So I said to him, okay, fine. So I called and I told him and I talked to former Congressman Milen Garcia. I told him, if you help him, just give him some of your barangay and some of your leaders. He still didn't want to help former Congressman Milen Garcia. I asked him again, Kong, please help him. He won and when he won, what did he do? He was the first to attack President Rodrigo Duterte. What do you call this kind of behavior? But with due respect to our resource persons and also our colleagues, I think this doesn't really, I understand there's history among all of us here. But I think that we should really stick to the budget. And I think this is just being very objective. I would like to ask also, since we're going to be furnished a copy tomorrow, we can look at it and evaluate. what the content of the book is. But maybe just a general, we won't ask line by line, ano ba yung libro na yan? But tell me, is it for good manners and right conduct? That's fine. Is it science? Is it history? So maybe just a general one so we can just answer it because I understand that every office will have its own advocacy and initiative. So, but then... I don't think it's also wrong for us to be curious what it is about. So just a general one. Any of the undersecretaries can tell me what the... Topic of the book is? Is it history? What is it? Madam Chair, the explanation is in the title. Isang Kaibigan. It's about friendship. Okay. And that's for the record? It's about friendship? Madam Chair, just the last point. Okay. So kung sana ganun yung naging sagot sa simula pa. Diba? Napaka-simple. Simpleng tanong, dapat simpleng sagot. Nagkwento pa ng kwento na sinabi dati. I have nothing to say about my question. Just for the record, as a last point, Madam Chair, this is public funds. And we're making inquiries about them. This is a budget hearing. Not everything is about you. This is the money of the people. For the record, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair. But I understand the emotion is high. Let's continue on. If you have any more questions, Senator Lisa, we will have a round. No, sir. Just my two questions, Madam Chair. Marami salamat po. Thank you. Senator Tolentino, you had your hand raised earlier. I was about to ask for a minute suspension of the hearing, but since the good chairperson of this committee already gave her guidance on how this budget hearing should proceed, I defer to the wisdom of the chairperson. Thank you. I would like to acknowledge the presence of Senator Bong Revilla and Senator Robin Hood Padilla. Thank you. Anybody else? Senator Mark Villar as well. And Senator Alan Cayetano. Any more questions? Yes. Senator Aimee Marcos, you are recognized. Yes. Yes, we call on Attorney Rosaline Sanchez to answer the question. Good afternoon, Madam Chair. On the first question on the low implementation of some of the programs, Your Honor, some of the programs were just started to be implemented by the office in 2023. So we are still in the process of fine-tuning the details of the program. obtaining the requirements from the applicants of the programs. Specifically on the Magneko-Shotaday project, we have seen that some of our target beneficiaries have difficulty in complying with the requirements. And we are closely working with the Commission on Audit to streamline the process for the application of the program. And on the... controls on the matter of controls madam chair we would like to know that we have not um received uh we would like to know that audit findings are still not yet final and we are again working closely with koa to improve our processes and um and address the issues that they have raised during the audit madam chair Madam Chair, I am Attorney Lopez, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Vice President. As regards the first question on the matter of the low implementation rate of the Office of the Vice President, for the past two years, Your Honor, for year 2022 and 2023, as we have presented early on, the Office of the Vice President has a 92% utilization rate, actually. But it is, as of date, as of now, as of June, July, The rate stands at 40% primarily because most of our programs are rolled out towards the second semester. Particularly, for example, the pagbabagobag in time for the opening of the school year. And also the launch of our pansara program, which we will also be launching upon school opening. So this is a big bulk of the budget of the Office of the Vice President. Hence, there is a low utilization rate. But at the end of the year, all of this... Madam Chair, as records will bear out, it will be around the 90 to 92% utilization rate. Yes, congratulations. So that therefore those who say that the same observations have been made by COA for the past two years are inaccurate and unaware of the actions already taken by the OVP. Is that correct? Ma'am, the matter of the low, it is correct as regards the matter of the first semester, because we really do have a low reutilization rate. for even for the past years as regards the first semester but the repeated observation from koa um is regards to the inadequate guidelines processes and the lack of internal control that is correct your honor worker we are working continuously with the team from the commission on audit to improve and streamline our processes and guidelines. Nakakatuwa yung budget ninyo na utangan pa kayo ng CHED. Nabayaran na ba kayo ng 18 million na utang? Your Honor, if I may answer the question? Yes. Okay. Your Honor, there was partial liquidation by CHED. from the time that we had our budget hearing last year until this year. But there is still a remaining amount of Php1,993,500, Your Honor, out of the original Php18 million. You are not alone. The CHED also has debt to the Senators. That's why it's fun for the CHED to see where the money is going. I have no more questions. All I can say is that not only in the barangay, but also here in the Senators and our second president, the help is being provided by the politicians. Senator Alan Quijotano is now recognized. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Madam Vice President. Magandang hapon po and welcome to the Senate. Magandang tanghali. I'd like to note that this committee is ruled by the women and we men are just on the sidelines. I'd also like to note that although as a senator, I understand Senator Riza that of course I want a cordial answer, but we also have to take into context that this is both legislative and political. And there are attacks against the vice president regardless of where he comes from. a little bit of latitude, because we want the company or enemy to feel welcome. But I agree with Senator Riza, how do we make it more cordial? So, Madam Vice President, may I ask just one question? Actually, two. One, did you have lunch? Yes, Senator Caetano, I had lunch. And... I'm very cordial when it comes to international diplomatic relations. You want us to discuss that in the West Philippine Sea. But I'm not a plastic person. No, I agree with you, ma'am. That's why I'm saying that this is not just legislative, it's also political. That's why you should be given the latitude to answer in the way that you feel it could be properly answered. So the other... That's why I asked if you had lunch because in the first two years, I know that... you got a very warm welcome to the Senate. So I'm hoping that it doesn't change in the budget hearing. I remember a lot of people went to lunch that day. So my question is, what can we do for the Office of the Vice President? Did you request anything from the DBM that was not in your budget? So that we can consider it at the proper time. No, we are already okay with the approved budget from the Department of Budget. the approved proposed budget in the NEP from the Department of Budget and Management. And we leave it up to members of Congress to decide on the budget. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to the Office of the Vice President. Any more questions? Well, so it's always the chair that has the last spot for questions. So let me just ask, of course. The security of every government official is very important. And recently it was discussed that a number of security personnel was taken out from the office of the vice president i think um if i'm not mistaken totally uh the pnp said they recalled 373 personnel across all agencies so i'd like to know security Madam Chair, may I be allowed to give a very long answer about the security? Sure, as long as it answers the question. Okay, ma'am. Yes. When I was elected as the second president, I saw that even the security of the vice president is politicized. Not just for me, but for the previous vice presidents. So when... The election is over, but I didn't sit down. I wrote to former Secretary Delphine Lorenzana. I told her, Sir, the security of the Vice President should only be up to the level of the Vice President. The information and security of the Vice President cannot be increased to other officials. And at the time, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Secretary of the Department of National Defense agreed. That's why on June 2022, the Secretary of the National Defense of the Philippines wrote to the Chief of Staff of the AFP from Vice Presidential Security Detachment under the PSG. Secretary Lorenza ordered the Vice President Security and Protection Group, which is a separate entity from the PSG. So, ito yung June 22, 2022. Ngayon, nag-issue ng orders ang AFP GHQ ng General Order 0917 to activate the reorganization from detachment to security group on July 5, 2022. the activation order and the table of organization and equipment was released. Yes. All right. So, hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyari sa Philippine National Police, but apparently they decided that they will mirror what the AFP did. So, noong December 9, 2022, inactivate ang Vice Presidential Protection Division under the PSPG. Ito under ng NHQ General Order OPL 22-22 and NAPOLCOM Resolution 2022-0675. Kaya po, mali yung sinasabi ng lahat. Hindi lang ako nagsasalita. Ngayon lang ako nabigyan ng opportunity na mag- Hindi po tama na inkumpara yung term ni Vice President Lenny Robredo at yung term ko in terms of security. Dahil yung security, yung VPSPG at yung VPPD sa PNP ay meron pong orders lahat. Ibig sabihin there is a basis in law doon sa pag-activate sa kanila. Ngayon. At the Philippine National Police, they took 75 personnel. They chose who they would take. As I said in my statement, it was a targeted list. There are many in that security. Security is a trust and confidence position. kasi ibibigay mo sa kanila yung kanang pagsalig ni mo sa imuhang kinabuhi, ihatag na ni mo sa ilaha. Ngayon, nakalagay doon sa listahan, kasama ko since 2007 when I was vice mayor, kasama ko since 2010 when I was mayor, and madami doon, kasama ko from 2016, during the term for six years of President Rodrigo Duterte. Makikita niyo yun. sa listahan kung isa-isahin natin. So it was a targeted list. It was a political move. It was political harassment. Ngayon, nag-iwan sila ng 38. 38 na hindi namin kilala. 38 na sila ang nagsabi kung sino ang maiwan. Sinulatan namin sila. We said, we will not accept your 38. We will return all of them to you. So there are no more PNP personnel in the office of the Vice President. What's left are those who are VP, SPG under the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The OVP is not spending on their salary because they are not being hired. They are now personnel of our AFP who are being detailed to the office of the Vice President. So, to answer your question, Madam Chair, there is security. And all of them under AFP because we refused the personnel who said, here we go again with General Marbil, who said he will return when we request. They wrote to us. na mag-request kayo kasi ibabalik namin. Hindi ko gagawin yan. Thank you, Madam Vice President. Sir, right now, your security detail is composed of AFP officers. I mean, soldiers, I suppose. Yes, Madam Chair, officers, and enlisted personnel. Mga ilan-ilan kaya sila? May we request Colonel Lechica to answer? But I'd like to know also how many is left from the AFP. And I think the AFP is also quite capable. How many, Mr. Lachika? Madam Chair, I think I cannot disclose the number, but I have here our activation order and our table of organizations. Why can't you not disclose the number? For security reasons, ma'am. Well, okay. I will... Madam Chair, please say it, sir. From our table of organization, ma'am, and equipment, we are authorized to have 364 personnel coming from the different major service of the AFP. But for our actual number, as of now, 337, ma'am. And this is under the AFP. And this doesn't come from the budget of the OVP? Yes, Madam Chair. Okay. Thank you very much. That's all. Any more questions? Senator Bato de la Rosa is recognized. Mama, I just would like to inform this committee that during our last hearing with my committee on public order and dangerous drugs, that issue was raised. And I told the CHPNP, General Marville, that it is not... na nire-request ng Office of the Vice President na ibalik yung tinanggal niya ng mga polis. Kung pwede lang, ibalik sa kanilang pinanggalingan na unit. Hindi yung, ito, mga takakawawa ito, mga takadabaw ito na been serving there for how many years, tapos dinislocate nila, nilagay nila Region 4, NCRPO, malayo sa pamilya. So, ang request na lang namin, ako, bilang dabawinyo, I just requested him to call the police. Go back to where they were taken. If it's in Davao City, in Davao Oriental, in Cumbal, in Cotabato, go back there. He promised me that he would go back. I don't know until now because I don't know what happened to us. That's it. Just so the police can go back even if the security is not back to the Vice President. Just for the record, ma'am. Thank you. Madam Chair. Madam Vice President, go ahead, please. Yes, thank you. I agree with Senator Bato de la Rosa. Let's not make the police personnel suffer because I'm their friend. Let's just return them to their families. Thank you. Actually, Senator Tolentino is the Vice Chair for the Committee of the DILG for this budget season, Vice Chair Finance. So I would like you to ask the PNP chief. what led to that decision because also part of that is uh you know if it's a political decision i think that would not be fair also but but uh but knowing that you're in the capable hands of the afp is also reassuring but this has to be erased definitely madam chair this will be asked as a as a policy question uh to be directed to the chief pnp madam chair yeah just because we're on security Madam Vice President, could you indulge me in just one last question? Did the DOTR or NAIA write, explain, and apologize to you on CCTV? Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, thank you. No, sir. What happened here is that this person is apparently assigned to NAIA. This person is a media person. na-assigned permanently, I think, sa na-IA. Because this is the second time na nilabas niya yung istorya sa mga anak ko. Yung una, when I left for Singapore, year 2021. Wala naman akong problema doon. Ang aking problema lang is itong tao na ito, nilalabas niya pati yung information na kasama ko yung mga anak ko. Alam namin kung sino siya. We have footage na nag- na kumukuha siya ng cellphone footage. Ang sinasabi ko lang doon sa aking statement ay dapat siguro i-beef up ng na-IA, ang security nila, dahil may tao doon sa boarding lounge na hindi pasahero at hindi employee ng gobyerno at hindi employee ng na-IA. Yun yung sinasabi ko. If you want to have a world-class airport, dapat world-class din yung... security natin. Hindi siya pasahero. And in certain areas, bawal talaga, diba? Sa immigration, dun sa may, there's certain areas na bawal kumuha. The reason I asked you, Madam Vice President, is yun nga, yung minsan kasi nasa sensationalize, nagkakampihan, but nakakalimutan yung point eh. So I don't know when it started, kung 2010, 2013, but I remember, Senator Riza, nung nagra-rally tayo nung anti-GMA. You can only see a camera or phone in a rally. We can only get it. But now, actually, when you land at the airport, if you take a car or a chopper, it's like the police's SOP can get a picture. Sometimes, I've tested them. I say, just take a selfie. Come with me. No. So I don't know, given the situation that happened to you, including family, as you said, like me, I'm used to getting a picture, whether they love me or hate me. That's why they want to get a picture. Sometimes, they change the audio. The one that came out in Rackwell, they changed the audio. It came out on TV. It's the opposite. Alan is my idol. They changed it to Minumura. Then, that's what came out. But the point is, just like the Vice President, what if you're with your kids? What if you're with your parents? What if there's just a picture of you? What if you're just with the airplane, the spacecraft, or what? So, I don't know, Senator Batoy, you're the highest ranking PNP here. Why is there such a thing? I mean, isn't it enough? I didn't intend to ask you. I asked this to ask you. But I intend to answer. Yeah. But I intend to answer. No, because my point of view is, if it's for the record, first of all, when you board a helicopter or an airplane, there should be a manifesto. When you land, the police are there, you're an eyewitness, you should write that. So, if actually, the vice president goes to the airplane, plan, so you can go to Davao, you can actually write it. You don't need a project. There are a lot of ghosts. I don't want to get a DPWH cell phone. The project will be lost. But for us, security, it's a bit I find the problem. Maybe we should really look into that. I would like to also give my experience on that. What I noticed is, for example, we're a guest in a certain event or in a province. Usually, without even us requesting, the local government will ask the PNP to assist a public figure. And the reason why they take pictures, and just like Senator Allen, I thought at first they wanted a selfie, but apparently it's to provide proof to their commanders that they rendered the service. Now, it's a different story if they just take a picture for the fun of it to give. I don't know, for others, in areas where, let's say, there's limited access. But to that point, Madam Chair, I don't have a problem with your income. But the storage and how to use it, given that, for example, we're talking about security now, right? In the secret service, the most professional, whether Democrat or Republican, there is a congressional hearing now because of what was said by ex-President Trump. In our opinion, we try that there is no politics in the PNP and AFP, but we see that in any administration, there is a tendency. My point is, if they're there to keep their officials safe, is it actually safe? As the Vice President said, that you're in a high-security terminal, you have a cell phone, you get it, you're not even an employee. So they don't have a responsibility to the law or to the airport. It's the same for us. Wherever we go, if I take a bus to Bicol, if it's eight hours, you'll still be tired when you get off. You need to make sure that you have something to get. Then you don't know where that picture will go. You know, sometimes things happen for us to look into it. So I'm sad that the family of our vice president got involved, regardless of whether we are for or against her politically. But I know that this can get out of hand, given the number of pictures. And the DICT called me because of the committee on... science and technology. And they said, wow, nowadays, unlike the days when we only had Photoshop, Photoshop, nowadays, even voices, AI, deepfake, right? So even video can be manipulated. Even if you're not caught, you can still see a picture. As public figures, we cannot really avoid having our picture taken. But the issue here is in an area that's restricted. So I think that the DOTR has to do their best effort to make sure that only authorized individuals are in certain areas and that they also have to take care of their CCTV, whatever. I mean, unless it's for the interest of the public, the safety of our national security issue, they better be careful with the information that they are handling. Senator, I know you're recognizing. Thank you, Madam Chair. Another issue that we will raise when it comes to the budget hearing of the BI, because our Vice President is going out to the country, they are monitoring him. They took a picture, they released the picture, but the one that Alice Go wanted, They came out of the country and they didn't get a picture. What kind of government agency is this? Our Vice President, who didn't violate any law, did it. There's a malicious intent that he got a picture, came out, and did an issue during the quandao, during the baguio, something like that. He did a political issue. Now, this is Alice Goh who... They wanted to have a warrant released. The committee is looking for Senator Riza. They came out without a warning. They didn't monitor them. So it's like the focus of priority, our people at the airport, we have to ask them during the budget hearing, what is their priority? Is it politics or their mandate? That's all, Madam Chair. Actually, I sympathize with our... colleagues here that they really had a hard time with the hearing on the Pogo issue. And then, there was no cooperation with the... I'm not reminding everyone, but it's impossible for it to be removed without authority to answer. So anyway, that's another topic. So, we just opened that up during the budget hearing of the PNP. Madam, just to put a conclusion, Madam Vice President, for me, because the... That's why I'm bringing up that. Because there are different mistakes, and there are different things they don't admit to being wrong. Meaning, when that video was released, the airport or the picture was announced immediately, right? That we apologize to the public, to the vice president. Because you're our vice president. I mean, whether they voted for you or not, President Marcos is our president, whether we voted for him or not. So, you have to admit it. So, if you do that in other countries, the DFA will disappear. So, my point, Madam Chair, Wala ka kasing narinig ka agad from the airport that we apologize, we're investigating, we have new guidelines, etc. That's why tinulay ko dun sa polis because it could suddenly happen to an ordinary mayor, congressman, barangay captain, if we're taking pictures everywhere. Having said that, as you said, we're open naman. Wala naman tayo tinatago sa public. Baka gantihan ko na lang yung ibang polis. Kukunan ko rin sila pag nasa fort sila. Kukunan ko rin sila nang kukunan ng picture. Okay, I think there are no more questions. Senator Gachalian is recognized. Do you have questions, sir, or just a message of support, perhaps? Thank you, Madam Chairman. I'm just here to express my full support to the budget of the Vice President. Thank you. Thank you. With no other questions? I manifest the wholehearted approval of the greater number of members of this committee and that, therefore, it should be endorsed. to the mother committee that is the motion madam chair uh i second that motion okay uh the budget of the office of the vice president is now deemed submitted to plenary this hearing is suspended just uh we just do

Good afternoon. For orderly procedure, we begin with a presentation of the OVP. After that, we will open the floor for questions. Our tradition is to give preference to the Senate officers and then in order of arrival. I would like to acknowledge the presence of my colleague in today's budget briefing, Senator Cynthia Villar and of course, Senator Aimee Marcos.

Puro mga babae ngayon yung present. So we will begin with a brief. a brief opening statement before we have a briefing if you have any opening statement then okay we shall begin now with the briefing of the office of the vice president thank you madam chair to our distinguished senators good afternoon i am pleased to introduce the members of the ovp delegation attorney zulaika t lopez chief of staff lemel g or tony assistant chief of staff please raise your hand so that they will know who you are Attorney Roselyne Sanchez, Director for Administrative and Financial Services Office. Attorney Sunshine Chary Fajarda, Director for Strategic Management Office. Norman Baloro, Director for Operations.

Attorney Emily Rose Torrentira, Head Legal Affairs. Julieta Villa-Del Rey, Chief Accountant. Amard Eje, Chief Disaster Operations Center. Maria Adeline Rabago, Officer in Charge, Budget Division.

Colonel Raymond Dante LaChica, Vice President, Security and Protection Group. May I request the Secretariat to present our OVP. Thank you.

The Office of the Vice President's mission to deliver efficient, accessible, and responsive public service has already reached millions of Filipinos across the country, and the promise of a remarkable and meaningful impact is gleaned from the strength, hard work, and optimism shown by the individuals, groups, and communities being served by the OVP through its interventions that offer immediate and long-term solutions. These interventions were designed, developed, and implemented through the OVP's collaboration with various government agencies, local government units, private groups, people's organizations, and individual partners. The Office of the Vice President, the second highest government office in the Philippines, an institution for public service, an institution of nation-building, an institution of change, stability, and progress.

The OVP is an institution committed to the success of its programs and initiatives intended to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of Filipinos. Under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte, the Office of the Vice President has steadfastly worked to deliver essential social services across different regions of the country. The OVP is an active participant in the development of the OVP.

in the movement to achieve the nation's aspiration to have a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future. We at the OVP continue to share in the noble mission of improving the quality of life of every Filipino family, especially those in the most underserved communities. We provide vital public assistance programs. that ensure support, aid in the plight of the vulnerable sectors, and help alleviate the challenges of poverty in many communities. From January 2023 to July 2024, over P360 million combined amount was successfully allocated to urgently address our people's pressing need for medical and burial assistance.

A total amount of 364,383,041. $187,000 worth of medical assistance were provided to a total of 79,721 beneficiaries while $99,240,000 worth of burial assistance were given. to 19,882 beneficiaries from various parts of the country. We have carried on in this tireless pursuit by rendering public assistance to thousands of Filipinos through OVP satellite offices in Luzon.

Cagayan Valley, Pangasinan, and Bicol. In Visayas, Panay and Negros Islands, Eastern Visayas, and Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor. And in Mindanao, Caraga, Western Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, and BAM, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In addition, two extension offices of the Public Assistance Division were also opened in Lipa, Batam. and Tondo Manila. Each satellite office and extension office across the country complement the functions of the central office in Robinson Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluya. For fiscal year 2024, the OVP has a 1.885 billion peso available budget under the General Appropriations Act.

As of June 30, 2024, the OVP has already obligated 40% of the allotment received or equivalent to 826.605 million pesos with a disbursement rate of 70% or 518.379 million pesos. In our goal of making sure that our people are afforded with safe, accessible and secured commute, The Office of the Vice President has offered free transportation services to 414,734 Filipinos from January to June 2024. A total of seven buses were deployed to transport passengers in Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, and Metro Manila. Following the recent calamity that has disrupted the lives of our people in Luzon and some parts of Visayas, we have also intensified our efforts to deliver immediate relief and assistance to affected communities. In adherence to our objective of saving lives and ensuring the utmost safety of all, 462,867 individuals and 134,168 families have benefited. from the relief operations mobilized by our disaster operations center from january to june 2024 a total of 58.3 million pesos were effectively allocated to various resource mobilization endeavors in support of all undertakings that aid ovpdoc's relief and rescue activities We at the Office of the Vice President continue to rally behind the pursuit of environmental preservation while underscoring the value of education and oral health through the Pagpapago, a million learners and trees campaign.

The program is a two-pronged intervention of the Office of the Vice President to provide hope and encouragement to Filipino learners and champion care for our environment. From January 2023 to July 2020. We are pleased to say that over 300,000 trees were planted across many communities all over the country, while over 175,000 bags with dental kits and school supplies were distributed to thousands of young learners in many remote school communities. In ensuring adequate and sustained nutritional support to Filipino school children, the Pan Serap program has provided a total of of 1,216,510 pan-serok pans, which were distributed to several identified school communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Our mission lies in our unwavering resolve to equip every young learner through nutrition while leading them to a healthier future where they can actively nurture their growth potential. Aligning with the agenda of food security and sufficiency.

we successfully initiated the distribution of rice bags and food packs to 36,260 Filipino families and individuals who are facing the challenges of hunger and food insecurity. The RISE program of the Office of the Vice President is conducted to extend immediate relief and provide necessary support to our disadvantaged Filipinos under difficult situations. We reiterate our goal of helping our people. realize their hopes for better quality of life by paving avenues that urge urgently address their most present needs.

Likewise, we remain committed to our mission to promote social economic development among women and members of the LGBTQ plus communities by providing livelihood and employment opportunities to the qualified recipients of the LGBTQ plus program. Magne Gosha Tadai program. From January 2023 to July 2024, a total of 1,965,000 worth of livelihood assistance was successfully granted to 50 qualified recipients. They will also undergo technical and financial management training to ensure the success of their projects. We also continue in our resolve to uphold the value of transformational and servant leadership among the Filipino youth through the You Can Be VP program.

By promoting immersive opportunities that present the intricacies of governance and policy formulation, we hope that we can inspire them to become a great leader in the world of government. equipped, and exemplary students with a genuine regard for their nation's welfare. Covering the period of January 2023 to June 2024, 255 local and international engagements were attended by the Office of the Vice President to show support and express our gratitude for the commendable social, civic, and development efforts undertaken by various organizations in the public and private sector. For 2020, 2025 the recommended budget for OVP is 2.37 billion pesos an 8.05 increase compared to the current year appropriation amounting to 1.885 billion pesos This proposal once approved will enable the OVP to continue the operations of the satellite offices And extension offices it will also ensure the success of the expanded OVP's social services Hand in hand, we will usher in innovation, carry on transformative progress, and shape a more prosperous future for our people, our communities, and our country. The OVP shares the hopes, aspirations, and dreams of the Filipinos, and we at the OVP take pride that it is an institution that puts the welfare of the Filipinos at the heart of its mission.

The OVP commits to lead, serve, uplift, and empower the Filipinos. The second president of the Philippines'administration, will lead, serve, and empower the Filipinos. We are always true to the country. We request Maria Edwin Rabagod, the OIC of the Budget Division, to present the salient points of the OVP budget for fiscal year 2025. Good afternoon Madam Chair and to the members of the committee.

Presenting the highlights and salient features of the FY 2025 proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President. Under the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program, The Department of Budget and Management has recommended a budget of 2.037 billion pesos vis-a-vis the 3.24 billion proposal of the Office of the Vice President. The amount recommended is 8.05% higher than the FY2024 budget as appropriated.

This composed of the following. The recommended personal services budget for FY2025 is 9.25% of the total recommended budget. It covers 149 field positions, special duty allowance for military and uniformed personnel, salary for non-permanent positions. It also includes provision for terminal leave benefits of mandatory retirees, loyalty award and anniversary bonus for OVP personnel. The total personnel services including the R-LIF for FY 2025 is P188.514 million.

Recommended MOOE or the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses for FY 2025 is equivalent to P1.792 billion. Significant portion of the total MOOE is allocated for the financial assistance or subsidies and supplies and materials or welfare goods which account for 52.86% and 15.92% of the total MOOE. The MOOE is 87.98% of the total budget.

The total capital outlay is 2.77% of the total recommended budget. This covers the procurement of motor vehicles in relation to the ceremonial, diplomatic, and advocacy-based engagements of the Office of the Vice President. It also includes ICT equipment and various machineries and equipment. By appropriation source, 2.026 billion or 99.5% is under the agency-specific and 0.05% is under the retirement and life insurance benefits.

The appropriated budget of the OVP beginning 2019 is above P500 million. It has been consistently increasing since then and under the current year appropriation, the OVP has P1.885 billion. While the appropriation is consistently increasing, the obligation rate remained in good standing and maintained the rate at above 90%.

The DBM recommended the budget of P2.037 billion for fiscal year 2025. vis-à-vis the P3.24 billion proposal, which is 8.05% higher than the FY2024 budget as appropriated due to the expansion of the socioeconomic services of the Office of the Vice President, which was proposed under Tier 2. Of the total OVP proposed budget, P1.269 billion or 62% is allotted for the socioeconomic programs of the OVP. As the second highest office in the land, the OVP aims to promote the welfare of every Filipino in line with its vision to create lasting impact on the lives of every Filipino through its socioeconomic programs and services. With this, the OVP established satellite offices and extension offices in key areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to provide Filipinos with immediate access to the services offered by the OVP. In 2023, we were able to cater to 977,615 beneficiaries out of the 670,300 target. And as of June 30 this year, we have served 684,830 out of the 1,013,620 target beneficiaries.

And for 2025, we target to cater 1,139,244 beneficiaries. For the fiscal year 2023, we have 977,615 total beneficiaries of all OVP services delivered, 793 strategic partnership established or strengthened, 98% of requests acted upon within standard processing time, 100% of projects with partners implemented as planned, 97% average satisfaction ratings for OVP services, and 489 ceremonial engagements completed. As to financial performance, out of the P2,447 billion pesos allotment, we have obligated P2,259 billion pesos with an obligation rate of 92% and we have disbursed P2,096 billion pesos with a disbursement rate of 93%. As of June 30 of this year, we have 684 4,830 beneficiaries of all OVP services delivered, 287 strategic partnerships established or strengthened, 98.8% of requests acted upon within standard processing time, 98.7% of projects with partners implemented as planned, 97.3% average satisfaction ratings of OVP services, and 255 ceremonial engagements completed. As to financial performance of the first semester of the fiscal year 2024, out of the P2.072 billion allotment, we have obligated P826.6 million with an obligation rate of 40% and disbursed P518.379 million with a disbursement rate of 70%.

As the second highest office in the land, The OVP carries out functions that complements work of other government agencies while advancing the well-being of the Filipino people. With a mission to deliver efficient, accessible, and responsive public services, our work resonates at the core of our nation's welfare and progress. Thank you very much. Thank you, Ma'am Adeline.

Madam Chair, the OVP is ready to accept questions before we open the floor for questions. Senator Batod de la Rosa would like to give an opening statement. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I would like to express my utmost support for the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President for Fiscal Year 2025 under the leadership of our esteemed Vice President, Sarah Duterte. Government service is making the most out of what little resources an office may possess. It is about finding ways to promote the general welfare of the people, however limiting or restricting the circumstances are. The OVP can only do so much with its annual budget, but it has set a good example to other government offices and agencies in maximizing funds.

Vice President Sarah Duterte could have just stood by and done nothing, but she chose a more proactive role in furthering the noble cause of Bangon, Pilipinas, which is inclusivity in achieving economic and social growth. I have full confidence that the leadership... of our Vice President is guided by her deep commitment to unite a country whose political landscape is constantly beset by indivision.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Bato. Senator Bongo will now give his opening statement.

Good afternoon to all of us. I just want to express my support for the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President for the year 2025 as a... Proud the Boenio, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable work of VP Inday Sara Duterte. I can attest to the positive impact she has made on every community and the entire nation. In the past years, the OVP has had programs that give true benefits to our citizens, from medical assistance to relief operations, educational support, health care programs, and free transport, among others.

In fact, The Libreng Sakay program has already served more than 638,000 passengers in Metro Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao in 2023 alone. I remember that a bus was borrowed from me in 2019 and now it was also borrowed from the OVP so that more of our fellow citizens, commuters, can benefit from the Libreng Sakay program. In addition, we recently supported the office of the Vice President. To further augment its free bus rides, may ruta na po ito mula sa PITX hanggang na Ikawite at operational na po ito August 14. Malaking tulong po ito sa ating mga commuters dahil ang pamasahing may titipid po nila, 90 pesos hanggang 100 pesos.

Bawat piso po ay napakahalaga po ito sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino, lalo lalo na po yung mga mahirap nating kababayan. Ang programang ito ay tunay na nakakatulong sa pagpapagaan ng kanilang araw-araw na pamumuhay. We should support this. And we laud the calamity and disaster response of the OVP, which helped provide immediate relief assistance to more than 100,000 families affected by floods, fire, earthquake, among others.

Again, I would like to express my full support to the budget of the Office of the Vice President. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Bongol. I would like to recognize Senator Jinggoy Estrada for his opening. Thank you, Madam Chair.

The Office of the Vice President has been an active partner of various government agencies in providing vital services to our Cabo Boyan, thus fulfilling its mandate to improve their lives and livelihood. Through the various programs that the OVP implements, our countrymen in the marginalized sector are empowered to become contributors to our nation's progress. For the year 2025, the OVP will implement two new programs that aim to promote education and health.

One of the programs is the Educational Assistance Program, which will reach out to the poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged families. Another one is the Wheelchair Program, which will cater to individuals in need of wheelchairs. I am certain that these programs will greatly benefit our people. In fact, this is also what we often hear from our representatives here in the Senado.

and we are excited that the Office of Vice President will launch programs to address this. Thank you very much to our second president, Vice President Zara Zimmerman Duterte, for her loving service to our countrymen. Many people are hoping for the programs you are implementing and because of this, we will continue to support the provision of sufficient funds so that you can continue to help.

Madam Chair, I would like to manifest my steadfast support. for the approval of the proposed to 2025 budget of the office of the vice president thank you madam chair thank you senator jingoy um senator ime marcos or senator cynthia villar do you have any opening i just want to manifest my full support for the budget of the vice president thank you No introductory statements thus far, but from what I've seen, I think the limited budget of the Office of the Vice President is an illustration that budgetary restraints should not serve as limitations in performing, but should inspire other government offices to be more innovative and to have more initiative. So it should. It should be an illustration of how we should really deliver services to the people.

So thank you, the Office of the Vice President. I am here to show my full support to the immediate passage of the budget of the Office of the Vice President. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Tarantino. I'd like to acknowledge the presence of my colleagues here today.

I think I've only... Acknowledge two, I should acknowledge also Senator Tolentino, Senator Bongo, earlier Senator Bato, Senator Jingoy Estrada, and now Senator Risa Conteveros. Well, it's supposed to be Senator... I mean, but then she doesn't really.

Okay, then Senator Risa is now recognized. She's just catching her breath because she came from two other obligations. One is the commission on appointments and another hearing.

Salamat po, Chair. At magandang hapon po sa lahat, mga kasama ko sa Senado at yung OVP family. Dalawang tanong lang po, Chair, para ngayong araw.

Una po, I note that a huge chunk of the OVP's 2025 operations budget, 1.909 billion pesos, will be used for the delivery of socioeconomic programs, such as one medical and burial assistance program. This supplements other healthcare programs of the government to assist indigent individuals and families. For 2025, 771.445 million pesos will be used for the delivery of socioeconomic programs. will be allocated for the program. Sa loob niyan, P600 million for medical assistance and P171.45 million for burial assistance, which are, Madam Chair, very similar to the Medical Assistance to Indigent or Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, or MAIFIP, of the DOH and DSWDs, Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations, or AICs.

Second, disaster operations, which aims to provide relief goods to disaster-stricken areas not commonly reached by other agencies. For that, P101.644 million. And it's also similar to the disaster risk management program of the DSWD.

Third, relief for individuals in crisis and emergencies, or providing food boxes or food items. to families who are ineligible for OVP's other services, so P50 million, which is also similar to DSWD's AICS. And last, Magnegosyo Taday, livelihood assistance for those with entrepreneurial skills, P150 million, which is also similar to DOLES, Integrated Livelihood Program, or DLIP.

So, my question here, Madam Chair, What led the OVP to consider launching these programs? Were there studies conducted to support the existence of these programs that are parallel to the existing programs of our different line agencies, Madam Chair? Yes, Madam Chair.

Thank you. When I was in the campaign, I only said three platforms. First, work. Second, education. And third, a peaceful life for our citizens.

When we entered the office of the Vice President, we looked at... the most requested requests from our fellow citizens. First of all, the requests we always receive are medical and burial assistance. Second, financial assistance. Third, they always ask for help with food.

And fourth, very recently, in the chain of requests, Yes, the link of requests is the educational assistance that our countrymen are saying. We always tell them that public schools are free. Now, higher educational institutions are also free.

But they say they are having a hard time with the school bus, they are having a hard time with the children's food and shelter. That's why we have something new. This is educational assistance.

At ang panghuli naman, lagi naming natatanggap na request galing sa ating mga kababayan ay kapag sila ay naging biktima ng disaster, whether man-made or natural disasters. So sila po ay lumalapit sa Office of the Vice President. Totoo po, merong mga ibang local government units at ibang...

national government agencies, na ganito po ang kanilang programa. Pero po, nung ako ay umupo as Vice President, I took an oath. And doon sa oath, I said that I will do justice to every man. So hindi po kami pwedeng humindi sa mga tao na humihingi ng tulong, lalong-lalo na ay kaparte ng gobyerno ang Office of the Vice President.

Salamat. VP, Madam Chair, Sabi nga ng VP, Madam Chair, libre na yung public school, libre na rin yung higher education, bagamat ni-note nila na sinasabi ng mga nagre-request na nahihirapan pa rin sila sa ilang mga programs na nakalodge sa ilalim ng libreng edukasyon na iyan. Kaya nga...... They considered launching these kinds of programs. Will the VP consider lodging the budgets of these programs to the line agencies?

And will the OVP request allocation to sync with the priorities of the Executive Department instead of having a separate program, but a program like the one of Madam Chair? Madam Chair, we only submit the budget and we leave it to the discretion of all the members of Congress to decide on the budget. We can only propose a budget for the Office of the Vice President. Pero magbibigay po ako ng halimbawa kung ganun po ang gagawin natin tulad po ng AICS ng DSWD. Kapag meron po kaming nire-refer, or they are being endorsed by AICS in the DSWD.

Usually, we can't get an answer because it comes from the Office of the Vice President and it's an enemy. Sometimes, it's true that assistance for our countrymen is political. So, I will repeat, people don't look at... politika.

Tumitingin lang sila na itong opisina na ito ay opisina ng gobyerno at pwede kaming humingi ng tulong doon. And so I go back to the oath that I shall do justice to every man at kaya po kami nandito at kaya po kami merong mga ganito ng mga projects sa office of the Vice President. Salamat VP Madam Chair.

Wini-welcome ko yung sinabi nila na... The VP would leave it to the discretion of the members of Congress. Medyo nagitla ako nung sinabing minsan pag may nire-refer ang OVP para sa AICS, ang feedback ay kalaban yan. Dahil Madam Chair, I believe tayo sa Kongreso when we appropriate the budget, merong implicit na assumption tayo doon na pagkatapos in the exercise of our oversight function, Yung parehong level ng professionalism we demand of ourselves ay presumption of regularity.

Ina-expect natin sa lahat ng members ng executive, lalo na when they are working together. Kaya gaya ng sinabi ko kanina, wini-welcome ko yung sinabi ni VP na they would leave it to the discretion of the members of Congress. And tayo naman ay hindi tayo bibitaw sa mahigpit nating... Pag-ensure na these programs be implemented by the appropriate agencies o kahit in collaboration with each other na naaayon talaga sa tamang standards above partisan politics. And therefore, at the proper time, Madam Chair, gagawa ako ng proper motion para ilodge yung budgets ng mga programang ito sa line agencies na may klarong...

opportunity for OVP na mag-request for allocation as for other offices in the executive. Yung huling tanong ko sa ngayon, Madam Chair, for 2025, one of the OVP's programs, Pagbabago Campaign, a Million Learners and Trees, involves the provision of bags to one million learners in remote communities while initiating tree planting activities. This gets an appropriation of 100 million pesos.

Part of this campaign is an allocation of 10 million pesos for the distribution of Isang Kaibigan Books, a children's book authored by the VP. Can the VP tell us? Let me make a rebuttal and another example of politicizing the budget of the government.

This is what Senator Risa Antiveros said, that at the proper time, she'll make a motion to lodge the budget, the requested budget of the OVP to the other agencies. Let me just quote Senator Risa during the Akbayan Congress. I know that Duterte has a lot of problems that we have a hard time cleaning up.

The darkness of his time really hit our society. It's a difficult time to get rid of. And while his son still has power, our fight will not be easy. While VP Sara is in power, the threat of a full-blown Duterte comeback is still a very real and present danger.

For one, they are supported. by one major superpower, China. So that is an example of politicizing the budget of the government.

May we request, Madam Chair, that Senator Risa Antiveras repeat the last question? I will certainly, if you request, Madam Chair, repeat my question because there is nothing to know from what the VP just said. We all know that he is a member of different parties. Our speeches to our fellow members in the party congresses are separate events here in the budget debates.

So I really take exception to what the VP said, that it's a rebuttal because it's an example of politicizing. In fact, I didn't ask about China or anyone else in this budget hearing. I am asking about the national budget that we will pass to the congress.

for the Philippines in 2025. And my second and last question for now, before I make, at the proper time, propose an amendment which may or may not be accepted by the Chair and by the colleagues, so that our money can be aligned, especially if our fiscal space is tight, to the appropriate programs, to the appropriate agencies, so that the OVP can freely... partner sa kanila tulad ng sino pang opisina sa executive. Ang tanong ko po ay ilang mga libro ng isang kaibigan ay bibilihin at i-distribute at if the VP could tell us more about the contents ng librong ito.

Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the book is not for sale. We only pay for the publication of the book and we will send Senator Antiveros, a copy, so that she will know what is the content of the book.

Oh, this question is not only for me, Madam Chair, but also for the members of the Budget Hearing. Maybe a few more days before I can send it and read it, which I certainly will. But I am asking a question as a member of the Budget Hearing, as the head of agency of an office in the Executive here in this Budget Hearing.

It's a simple question. Tell us more about the book, Isang Kaibigan, at ilang kopya nito ang bibilihin ng gobyerno sa halagang 10 milyong piso at ididistribute sa kasama ng mga bags sa 1 million learners sa remote communities. Madam Chair.

Madam Chair, this is an example of politicizing. the budget hearing through the questions of a senator. Ang problema niya kasi, nakalagay yung pangalan ko doon sa libro. At yung libro na yan, ibibigay namin doon sa mga bata.

At yung mga bata na yan, may mga magulang na buboto. At yung pangalan ko ay nagkalat doon sa kung saan man ibibigay yung libro. Madam Chair, we commit to send... tomorrow, everyone in this room a copy of the book?

Madam Chair, I don't understand the way our resource person is. It is a simple question. Again and again, this is politicizing. The VP mentioned the word vote.

I didn't say vote. I'm simply asking, I can't imagine we're making so much trouble, so much fuss about a 10 million peso item. I'm just asking simply, what is the book about?

And how many copies will the government buy at a price of P10 million and distribute? I don't appreciate this kind of attitude, Madam Chair. Usually, our resource persons give both institutional courtesy to the legislature that we give to the executive.

I don't appreciate this kind of attitude. Madam Chair. Yes, Madam Chair. I also don't understand the role of Senator Risa Ontiveros.

I do not appreciate this kind of behavior and attitude. Madam Chair, in 2016, Senator Risa Ontiveros ran away. Senator, how many people did she lose? Two, Madam Chair. Okay, two.

She was scared of her third loss. He went to Davao, asked for help. He was helped by a Davao officer who now doesn't support him. He asked for help from me, thinking that President Rodrigo Duterte would not win. He talked to me in my law office in Davao City.

I told him, okay, I'll help you. He gave me a kiss. Then he left. Of course, he's not helping President Duterte. What I said is not true.

I said I would help you. He texted me. Can I follow up on my request for help with voting in Davao City? So I said to him, okay, fine.

So I called and I told him and I talked to former Congressman Milen Garcia. I told him, if you help him, just give him some of your barangay and some of your leaders. He still didn't want to help former Congressman Milen Garcia. I asked him again, Kong, please help him.

He won and when he won, what did he do? He was the first to attack President Rodrigo Duterte. What do you call this kind of behavior?

But with due respect to our resource persons and also our colleagues, I think this doesn't really, I understand there's history among all of us here. But I think that we should really stick to the budget. And I think this is just being very objective. I would like to ask also, since we're going to be furnished a copy tomorrow, we can look at it and evaluate. what the content of the book is.

But maybe just a general, we won't ask line by line, ano ba yung libro na yan? But tell me, is it for good manners and right conduct? That's fine. Is it science?

Is it history? So maybe just a general one so we can just answer it because I understand that every office will have its own advocacy and initiative. So, but then... I don't think it's also wrong for us to be curious what it is about.

So just a general one. Any of the undersecretaries can tell me what the... Topic of the book is? Is it history?

What is it? Madam Chair, the explanation is in the title. Isang Kaibigan.

It's about friendship. Okay. And that's for the record?

It's about friendship? Madam Chair, just the last point. Okay.

So kung sana ganun yung naging sagot sa simula pa. Diba? Napaka-simple. Simpleng tanong, dapat simpleng sagot.

Nagkwento pa ng kwento na sinabi dati. I have nothing to say about my question. Just for the record, as a last point, Madam Chair, this is public funds. And we're making inquiries about them.

This is a budget hearing. Not everything is about you. This is the money of the people. For the record, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. But I understand the emotion is high. Let's continue on. If you have any more questions, Senator Lisa, we will have a round. No, sir.

Just my two questions, Madam Chair. Marami salamat po. Thank you.

Senator Tolentino, you had your hand raised earlier. I was about to ask for a minute suspension of the hearing, but since the good chairperson of this committee already gave her guidance on how this budget hearing should proceed, I defer to the wisdom of the chairperson. Thank you.

I would like to acknowledge the presence of Senator Bong Revilla and Senator Robin Hood Padilla. Thank you. Anybody else? Senator Mark Villar as well.

And Senator Alan Cayetano. Any more questions? Yes. Senator Aimee Marcos, you are recognized. Yes.

Yes, we call on Attorney Rosaline Sanchez to answer the question. Good afternoon, Madam Chair. On the first question on the low implementation of some of the programs, Your Honor, some of the programs were just started to be implemented by the office in 2023. So we are still in the process of fine-tuning the details of the program. obtaining the requirements from the applicants of the programs.

Specifically on the Magneko-Shotaday project, we have seen that some of our target beneficiaries have difficulty in complying with the requirements. And we are closely working with the Commission on Audit to streamline the process for the application of the program. And on the... controls on the matter of controls madam chair we would like to know that we have not um received uh we would like to know that audit findings are still not yet final and we are again working closely with koa to improve our processes and um and address the issues that they have raised during the audit madam chair Madam Chair, I am Attorney Lopez, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Vice President.

As regards the first question on the matter of the low implementation rate of the Office of the Vice President, for the past two years, Your Honor, for year 2022 and 2023, as we have presented early on, the Office of the Vice President has a 92% utilization rate, actually. But it is, as of date, as of now, as of June, July, The rate stands at 40% primarily because most of our programs are rolled out towards the second semester. Particularly, for example, the pagbabagobag in time for the opening of the school year.

And also the launch of our pansara program, which we will also be launching upon school opening. So this is a big bulk of the budget of the Office of the Vice President. Hence, there is a low utilization rate. But at the end of the year, all of this... Madam Chair, as records will bear out, it will be around the 90 to 92% utilization rate.

Yes, congratulations. So that therefore those who say that the same observations have been made by COA for the past two years are inaccurate and unaware of the actions already taken by the OVP. Is that correct?

Ma'am, the matter of the low, it is correct as regards the matter of the first semester, because we really do have a low reutilization rate. for even for the past years as regards the first semester but the repeated observation from koa um is regards to the inadequate guidelines processes and the lack of internal control that is correct your honor worker we are working continuously with the team from the commission on audit to improve and streamline our processes and guidelines. Nakakatuwa yung budget ninyo na utangan pa kayo ng CHED. Nabayaran na ba kayo ng 18 million na utang?

Your Honor, if I may answer the question? Yes. Okay.

Your Honor, there was partial liquidation by CHED. from the time that we had our budget hearing last year until this year. But there is still a remaining amount of Php1,993,500, Your Honor, out of the original Php18 million.

You are not alone. The CHED also has debt to the Senators. That's why it's fun for the CHED to see where the money is going. I have no more questions.

All I can say is that not only in the barangay, but also here in the Senators and our second president, the help is being provided by the politicians. Senator Alan Quijotano is now recognized. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Madam Vice President.

Magandang hapon po and welcome to the Senate. Magandang tanghali. I'd like to note that this committee is ruled by the women and we men are just on the sidelines.

I'd also like to note that although as a senator, I understand Senator Riza that of course I want a cordial answer, but we also have to take into context that this is both legislative and political. And there are attacks against the vice president regardless of where he comes from. a little bit of latitude, because we want the company or enemy to feel welcome.

But I agree with Senator Riza, how do we make it more cordial? So, Madam Vice President, may I ask just one question? Actually, two.

One, did you have lunch? Yes, Senator Caetano, I had lunch. And... I'm very cordial when it comes to international diplomatic relations.

You want us to discuss that in the West Philippine Sea. But I'm not a plastic person. No, I agree with you, ma'am. That's why I'm saying that this is not just legislative, it's also political.

That's why you should be given the latitude to answer in the way that you feel it could be properly answered. So the other... That's why I asked if you had lunch because in the first two years, I know that...

you got a very warm welcome to the Senate. So I'm hoping that it doesn't change in the budget hearing. I remember a lot of people went to lunch that day.

So my question is, what can we do for the Office of the Vice President? Did you request anything from the DBM that was not in your budget? So that we can consider it at the proper time.

No, we are already okay with the approved budget from the Department of Budget. the approved proposed budget in the NEP from the Department of Budget and Management. And we leave it up to members of Congress to decide on the budget.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to the Office of the Vice President.

Any more questions? Well, so it's always the chair that has the last spot for questions. So let me just ask, of course. The security of every government official is very important. And recently it was discussed that a number of security personnel was taken out from the office of the vice president i think um if i'm not mistaken totally uh the pnp said they recalled 373 personnel across all agencies so i'd like to know security Madam Chair, may I be allowed to give a very long answer about the security?

Sure, as long as it answers the question. Okay, ma'am. Yes. When I was elected as the second president, I saw that even the security of the vice president is politicized.

Not just for me, but for the previous vice presidents. So when... The election is over, but I didn't sit down.

I wrote to former Secretary Delphine Lorenzana. I told her, Sir, the security of the Vice President should only be up to the level of the Vice President. The information and security of the Vice President cannot be increased to other officials. And at the time, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Secretary of the Department of National Defense agreed. That's why on June 2022, the Secretary of the National Defense of the Philippines wrote to the Chief of Staff of the AFP from Vice Presidential Security Detachment under the PSG.

Secretary Lorenza ordered the Vice President Security and Protection Group, which is a separate entity from the PSG. So, ito yung June 22, 2022. Ngayon, nag-issue ng orders ang AFP GHQ ng General Order 0917 to activate the reorganization from detachment to security group on July 5, 2022. the activation order and the table of organization and equipment was released. Yes.

All right. So, hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyari sa Philippine National Police, but apparently they decided that they will mirror what the AFP did. So, noong December 9, 2022, inactivate ang Vice Presidential Protection Division under the PSPG.

Ito under ng NHQ General Order OPL 22-22 and NAPOLCOM Resolution 2022-0675. Kaya po, mali yung sinasabi ng lahat. Hindi lang ako nagsasalita. Ngayon lang ako nabigyan ng opportunity na mag- Hindi po tama na inkumpara yung term ni Vice President Lenny Robredo at yung term ko in terms of security.

Dahil yung security, yung VPSPG at yung VPPD sa PNP ay meron pong orders lahat. Ibig sabihin there is a basis in law doon sa pag-activate sa kanila. Ngayon. At the Philippine National Police, they took 75 personnel.

They chose who they would take. As I said in my statement, it was a targeted list. There are many in that security.

Security is a trust and confidence position. kasi ibibigay mo sa kanila yung kanang pagsalig ni mo sa imuhang kinabuhi, ihatag na ni mo sa ilaha. Ngayon, nakalagay doon sa listahan, kasama ko since 2007 when I was vice mayor, kasama ko since 2010 when I was mayor, and madami doon, kasama ko from 2016, during the term for six years of President Rodrigo Duterte. Makikita niyo yun.

sa listahan kung isa-isahin natin. So it was a targeted list. It was a political move. It was political harassment.

Ngayon, nag-iwan sila ng 38. 38 na hindi namin kilala. 38 na sila ang nagsabi kung sino ang maiwan. Sinulatan namin sila. We said, we will not accept your 38. We will return all of them to you.

So there are no more PNP personnel in the office of the Vice President. What's left are those who are VP, SPG under the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The OVP is not spending on their salary because they are not being hired. They are now personnel of our AFP who are being detailed to the office of the Vice President.

So, to answer your question, Madam Chair, there is security. And all of them under AFP because we refused the personnel who said, here we go again with General Marbil, who said he will return when we request. They wrote to us. na mag-request kayo kasi ibabalik namin.

Hindi ko gagawin yan. Thank you, Madam Vice President. Sir, right now, your security detail is composed of AFP officers. I mean, soldiers, I suppose.

Yes, Madam Chair, officers, and enlisted personnel. Mga ilan-ilan kaya sila? May we request Colonel Lechica to answer? But I'd like to know also how many is left from the AFP. And I think the AFP is also quite capable.

How many, Mr. Lachika? Madam Chair, I think I cannot disclose the number, but I have here our activation order and our table of organizations. Why can't you not disclose the number?

For security reasons, ma'am. Well, okay. I will... Madam Chair, please say it, sir. From our table of organization, ma'am, and equipment, we are authorized to have 364 personnel coming from the different major service of the AFP.

But for our actual number, as of now, 337, ma'am. And this is under the AFP. And this doesn't come from the budget of the OVP? Yes, Madam Chair.

Okay. Thank you very much. That's all. Any more questions?

Senator Bato de la Rosa is recognized. Mama, I just would like to inform this committee that during our last hearing with my committee on public order and dangerous drugs, that issue was raised. And I told the CHPNP, General Marville, that it is not... na nire-request ng Office of the Vice President na ibalik yung tinanggal niya ng mga polis. Kung pwede lang, ibalik sa kanilang pinanggalingan na unit.

Hindi yung, ito, mga takakawawa ito, mga takadabaw ito na been serving there for how many years, tapos dinislocate nila, nilagay nila Region 4, NCRPO, malayo sa pamilya. So, ang request na lang namin, ako, bilang dabawinyo, I just requested him to call the police. Go back to where they were taken.

If it's in Davao City, in Davao Oriental, in Cumbal, in Cotabato, go back there. He promised me that he would go back. I don't know until now because I don't know what happened to us. That's it. Just so the police can go back even if the security is not back to the Vice President.

Just for the record, ma'am. Thank you. Madam Chair. Madam Vice President, go ahead, please. Yes, thank you.

I agree with Senator Bato de la Rosa. Let's not make the police personnel suffer because I'm their friend. Let's just return them to their families. Thank you. Actually, Senator Tolentino is the Vice Chair for the Committee of the DILG for this budget season, Vice Chair Finance.

So I would like you to ask the PNP chief. what led to that decision because also part of that is uh you know if it's a political decision i think that would not be fair also but but uh but knowing that you're in the capable hands of the afp is also reassuring but this has to be erased definitely madam chair this will be asked as a as a policy question uh to be directed to the chief pnp madam chair yeah just because we're on security Madam Vice President, could you indulge me in just one last question? Did the DOTR or NAIA write, explain, and apologize to you on CCTV?

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, thank you. No, sir. What happened here is that this person is apparently assigned to NAIA.

This person is a media person. na-assigned permanently, I think, sa na-IA. Because this is the second time na nilabas niya yung istorya sa mga anak ko.

Yung una, when I left for Singapore, year 2021. Wala naman akong problema doon. Ang aking problema lang is itong tao na ito, nilalabas niya pati yung information na kasama ko yung mga anak ko. Alam namin kung sino siya.

We have footage na nag- na kumukuha siya ng cellphone footage. Ang sinasabi ko lang doon sa aking statement ay dapat siguro i-beef up ng na-IA, ang security nila, dahil may tao doon sa boarding lounge na hindi pasahero at hindi employee ng gobyerno at hindi employee ng na-IA. Yun yung sinasabi ko.

If you want to have a world-class airport, dapat world-class din yung... security natin. Hindi siya pasahero.

And in certain areas, bawal talaga, diba? Sa immigration, dun sa may, there's certain areas na bawal kumuha. The reason I asked you, Madam Vice President, is yun nga, yung minsan kasi nasa sensationalize, nagkakampihan, but nakakalimutan yung point eh. So I don't know when it started, kung 2010, 2013, but I remember, Senator Riza, nung nagra-rally tayo nung anti-GMA. You can only see a camera or phone in a rally.

We can only get it. But now, actually, when you land at the airport, if you take a car or a chopper, it's like the police's SOP can get a picture. Sometimes, I've tested them. I say, just take a selfie. Come with me.

No. So I don't know, given the situation that happened to you, including family, as you said, like me, I'm used to getting a picture, whether they love me or hate me. That's why they want to get a picture. Sometimes, they change the audio.

The one that came out in Rackwell, they changed the audio. It came out on TV. It's the opposite. Alan is my idol.

They changed it to Minumura. Then, that's what came out. But the point is, just like the Vice President, what if you're with your kids?

What if you're with your parents? What if there's just a picture of you? What if you're just with the airplane, the spacecraft, or what? So, I don't know, Senator Batoy, you're the highest ranking PNP here. Why is there such a thing?

I mean, isn't it enough? I didn't intend to ask you. I asked this to ask you.

But I intend to answer. Yeah. But I intend to answer.

No, because my point of view is, if it's for the record, first of all, when you board a helicopter or an airplane, there should be a manifesto. When you land, the police are there, you're an eyewitness, you should write that. So, if actually, the vice president goes to the airplane, plan, so you can go to Davao, you can actually write it.

You don't need a project. There are a lot of ghosts. I don't want to get a DPWH cell phone. The project will be lost. But for us, security, it's a bit I find the problem.

Maybe we should really look into that. I would like to also give my experience on that. What I noticed is, for example, we're a guest in a certain event or in a province. Usually, without even us requesting, the local government will ask the PNP to assist a public figure.

And the reason why they take pictures, and just like Senator Allen, I thought at first they wanted a selfie, but apparently it's to provide proof to their commanders that they rendered the service. Now, it's a different story if they just take a picture for the fun of it to give. I don't know, for others, in areas where, let's say, there's limited access.

But to that point, Madam Chair, I don't have a problem with your income. But the storage and how to use it, given that, for example, we're talking about security now, right? In the secret service, the most professional, whether Democrat or Republican, there is a congressional hearing now because of what was said by ex-President Trump.

In our opinion, we try that there is no politics in the PNP and AFP, but we see that in any administration, there is a tendency. My point is, if they're there to keep their officials safe, is it actually safe? As the Vice President said, that you're in a high-security terminal, you have a cell phone, you get it, you're not even an employee.

So they don't have a responsibility to the law or to the airport. It's the same for us. Wherever we go, if I take a bus to Bicol, if it's eight hours, you'll still be tired when you get off. You need to make sure that you have something to get.

Then you don't know where that picture will go. You know, sometimes things happen for us to look into it. So I'm sad that the family of our vice president got involved, regardless of whether we are for or against her politically. But I know that this can get out of hand, given the number of pictures.

And the DICT called me because of the committee on... science and technology. And they said, wow, nowadays, unlike the days when we only had Photoshop, Photoshop, nowadays, even voices, AI, deepfake, right? So even video can be manipulated. Even if you're not caught, you can still see a picture.

As public figures, we cannot really avoid having our picture taken. But the issue here is in an area that's restricted. So I think that the DOTR has to do their best effort to make sure that only authorized individuals are in certain areas and that they also have to take care of their CCTV, whatever.

I mean, unless it's for the interest of the public, the safety of our national security issue, they better be careful with the information that they are handling. Senator, I know you're recognizing. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Another issue that we will raise when it comes to the budget hearing of the BI, because our Vice President is going out to the country, they are monitoring him. They took a picture, they released the picture, but the one that Alice Go wanted, They came out of the country and they didn't get a picture. What kind of government agency is this? Our Vice President, who didn't violate any law, did it. There's a malicious intent that he got a picture, came out, and did an issue during the quandao, during the baguio, something like that.

He did a political issue. Now, this is Alice Goh who... They wanted to have a warrant released. The committee is looking for Senator Riza. They came out without a warning.

They didn't monitor them. So it's like the focus of priority, our people at the airport, we have to ask them during the budget hearing, what is their priority? Is it politics or their mandate? That's all, Madam Chair.

Actually, I sympathize with our... colleagues here that they really had a hard time with the hearing on the Pogo issue. And then, there was no cooperation with the... I'm not reminding everyone, but it's impossible for it to be removed without authority to answer.

So anyway, that's another topic. So, we just opened that up during the budget hearing of the PNP. Madam, just to put a conclusion, Madam Vice President, for me, because the...

That's why I'm bringing up that. Because there are different mistakes, and there are different things they don't admit to being wrong. Meaning, when that video was released, the airport or the picture was announced immediately, right? That we apologize to the public, to the vice president. Because you're our vice president.

I mean, whether they voted for you or not, President Marcos is our president, whether we voted for him or not. So, you have to admit it. So, if you do that in other countries, the DFA will disappear.

So, my point, Madam Chair, Wala ka kasing narinig ka agad from the airport that we apologize, we're investigating, we have new guidelines, etc. That's why tinulay ko dun sa polis because it could suddenly happen to an ordinary mayor, congressman, barangay captain, if we're taking pictures everywhere. Having said that, as you said, we're open naman. Wala naman tayo tinatago sa public.

Baka gantihan ko na lang yung ibang polis. Kukunan ko rin sila pag nasa fort sila. Kukunan ko rin sila nang kukunan ng picture. Okay, I think there are no more questions. Senator Gachalian is recognized.

Do you have questions, sir, or just a message of support, perhaps? Thank you, Madam Chairman. I'm just here to express my full support to the budget of the Vice President. Thank you.

Thank you. With no other questions? I manifest the wholehearted approval of the greater number of members of this committee and that, therefore, it should be endorsed. to the mother committee that is the motion madam chair uh i second that motion okay uh the budget of the office of the vice president is now deemed submitted to plenary this hearing is suspended just uh we just do

Transcript for:Office of the Vice President Budget Overview

Transcript for:
Office of the Vice President Budget Overview