VP’s office asked to give up P500-M confidential fund����

A LAWMAKER on Thursday asked the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) to give up a P500-million confidential fund under its 2023 proposed budget, which could be reallocated to other agencies whose appropriations have been cut due to financial strain in public funds.������

“Could the distinguished sponsor ask the honorable (Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio) if she is willing to forego (her office’s) confidential funds,” Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman said during plenary debates at the House of Representatives.������

Earlier this month, OVP Spokesperson Reynold S. Munsayac said confidential funds would be used for programs related to peace and order and national security.������

Davao de Oro Rep. Maria Carmen S. Zamora, sponsor of the OVP’s 2023 budget, said the vice-president would be able to make full use of the funds to assist President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the other offices under the executive department.������

Ms. Duterte later told Ms. Zamora she will defer to the decision of Congress on the confidential fund.������

The OVP will receive P2.3 billion in the 2023 National Expenditure Program, 228.4% higher than this year’s budget of P702,035. — Matthew Carl L. Montecillo