Vice Pres Sara Duterte's OVP budget P733M; AKAP aid P26B

The bicameral conference committee has finalized the 2025 budget for the Office of the Vice-President (OVP), maintaining the P733 million approved by the House of Representatives, despite efforts by some senators to restore the full amount.

Senate finance panel chair Sen. Grace Poe confirmed that the OVP's funding remains unchanged at 'as is,' reflecting the majority decision in the bicameral committee.

The budget was initially set at P2.037 billion but was reduced by P1.29 billion, with the realigned funds to be used for social services projects managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health.

Vice President Sara Duterte faces scrutiny over her handling of public funds, including allegations of misuse involving confidential expenses and security personnel managing funds contrary to government guidelines.

The bicameral committee also partially restored funding for the AKAP cash aid program from P39 billion as approved by the House to P26 billion, while allocating zero budget towards PhilHealth subsidies due to concerns over unused reserve funds.