The budget deliberations for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) scheduled today may be postponed due to Vice President Sara Duterte’s failure to attend the House of Representatives session.
The plenary discussions were initially set for 10:00 AM this morning.
According to Minority Leader and 4Ps Partylist Representative Marcelino Libanan, the assembly is still awaiting the Vice President’s arrival.
He emphasized the importance of Duterte’s presence, citing that her attendance is crucial for the legislative process. Libanan further stressed that the Vice President should prioritize the budget deliberations.
The minority leader also noted that if Duterte does not attend today’s session, the debate may be rescheduled for Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the last day of the plenary budget discussions.
If Duterte remains absent by then, the majority will make a final decision on the matter.
The OVP’s budget has already seen a P1.3 billion cut, leaving approximately P733 million allocated to the office, as detailed in the Appropriations Committee report.
In a letter to Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, who sponsors the OVP’s budget in the plenary, Duterte delegated the budget discussions to Speaker Martin Romualdez and Rep. Zaldy Co.
Meanwhile, Libanan was asked to comment on circulating photos of Vice President Duterte reportedly seen at a beach resort in Calaguas, Camarines Norte.
He responded that while there is nothing wrong with visiting the beach, attending the budget deliberations should be a priority.