The Philippine House of Representatives on Tuesday swiftly approved the Office of the Vice-President's (OVP) proposed P785.2-million budget for 2027, with lawmakers raising no further questions during the plenary session.

Under the 2027 National Expenditure Program — the executive branch's proposed annual spending plan that Congress reviews before it can be enacted into law — the OVP stands to receive an allocation 11.69% lower than this year's P889.23-million budget.

Party-list Rep. Antonio L. Tinio said the minority bloc had no additional questions regarding the OVP's proposed spending, a position the majority bloc also agreed with.

Palawan Rep. Jose C. Alvarez, who sponsored the OVP budget, said the absence of questions did not stem from any prior arrangement with minority lawmakers, who had already voiced their concerns during earlier budget briefings.

“Afterward, I simply expressed my thanks to avoid any negative perception within the House,” Mr. Alvarez told reporters in Filipino. “Our intention was to prevent any appearance of impropriety.”

He denied speaking with minority lawmakers in advance to ask them to refrain from raising questions during the plenary session, adding that all concerns had already been addressed during committee hearings.

Mr. Alvarez noted that the OVP's program headings have remained similar to those of previous years, leaving no need for further scrutiny. “The headings were just the same for the past two years,” he added.

He also pointed out that government agencies are generally required to reduce their budgets amid revenue constraints, making budget cuts standard practice rather than a measure targeting any particular office.

During committee deliberations, the OVP outlined plans to focus its programs on direct assistance to beneficiaries, including livelihood support, educational aid, emergency relief and food programs, free transportation, and other targeted interventions — programs that would operate under the proposed 2027 allocation. The agency said P193.1 million, or 24.6% of its proposed budget, would be allocated for various goods and grants under its socioeconomic programs.

Asked whether the impeachment proceedings involving Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio had influenced the swift approval, Mr. Alvarez replied: “I don't think so.”

He described the House's handling of the OVP budget as a matter of parliamentary courtesy, noting that lawmakers aim to complete the budget process by month's end before transmitting the measure to the Senate for deliberation. The Senate's review is the next legislative stage before the 2027 spending plan can be enacted, meaning the OVP's final budget remains subject to further congressional action.

— Pexcel John Bacon, BusinessWorld Online

Source: BusinessWorld Online