Two congressmen reminded Senator Joel Villanueva to respect inter-parliamentary boundaries, particularly on matters not yet under the Senate’s jurisdiction, such as the P1.3 billion budget cut made by the House of Representatives to the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre and Assistant Majority Leader Jil Bongalon both criticized Villanueva’s remarks regarding the House Committee on Appropriations’ decision to reduce the OVP’s requested P2.037 billion budget for 2025 to P733 million, noting that Vice President Sara Duterte had declined to justify the requested funds.
Acidre urged Villanueva to focus on his duties in the Senate instead of meddling in matters still under the House’s jurisdiction, suggesting that his criticisms and arguments should be reserved for when the issue reaches the Senate.
Acidre pointed out that budget discussions are a primary responsibility of both chambers of Congress—the Senate and the House—wherein a careful and detailed review of every part of the budget is conducted to ensure the proper allocation of limited resources.
Villanueva previously criticized the House for the significant reduction in the OVP’s 2025 budget and warned of possible political motives behind the move, suggesting the need to protect the OVP from such influences.
Bongalon emphasized that Villanueva’s public statements violated the principle of “inter-parliamentary courtesy,” as it constituted interference in the House’s work.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining decorum between the Senate and the House and noted that any criticisms should be raised within the Senate.
Both congressmen stood firm on maintaining the integrity of the budget process, ensuring transparency in every detail so that the public could see how government funds are allocated and spent.
They stressed the accountability of officials and agencies, including the OVP, in utilizing government resources.