Sara Duterte appears before Senate as budget cuts for VP office debated

Vice President Sara Duterte appeared before the Senate on Wednesday to attend plenary deliberations on her office's proposed 2025 funding.

The Senate adopted the House of Representatives' decision to cut the Office of the Vice President (OVP) budget from P2 billion to P733 million, with Duterte's allies planning to restore the original proposal during further amendments.

Duterte expressed hope that the Senate would restore her office’s budget to maintain satellite offices and prevent job losses for around 200 workers affected by the House's budget cut.

Despite the current approval in the Senate plenary, Senators Bong Go and Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa indicated they would introduce amendments later to increase or restore the OVP's funding.

Duterte acknowledged the congressional power of the purse but vowed to continue services with whatever Congress approves, emphasizing that her office is prepared to function regardless of financial constraints.