Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday expressed her gratitude to the Senate for approving the PHP 2.3 Billion budget of her office for 2023, including the controversial PHP 500 million in confidential funds.
In a statement, Duterte said the said approval of the Office of the Vice President's budget showed the Senate's trust and confidence in her office.
"My deepest gratitude to the members of the Philippine Senate for approving the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President in a decision that demonstrates confidence and trust by the honorable senators of the integrity, commitment, and dedication of the OVP to good governance and public service," the Vice President said.
"The approval bolsters the OVP’s determination to ensure that social services and other government programs and projects reach communities and bring about positive development and provide solutions to the problems of our fellow Filipinos across the country — especially those who are living in underprivileged communities and those battered by natural calamities and armed conflicts," she added.
During the Senate deliberation on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva moved for the approval of the OVP's proposed 2023 budget.
Only Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel questioned the OVP’s 2023 budget, particularly its PHP 500 million confidential funds
Among the projects implemented by the OVP are satellite offices and the Disaster Risk Relief Operations Center, and implemented Medical and Burial assistance program, Libreng Sakay program, PagbaBAGo Campaign, and Kalusugan Food Trucks.
The projects "Mag Negosyo 'Ta Day", "Peace 911" and the building of the permanent home of the Office of the Vice President will be implemented next year.
