OVP ok to answer budget questions amid parliamentary courtesy offer

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Wednesday agreed to answer questions regarding its proposed budget for 2027 despite a motion made by a lawmaker to extend the tradition of parliamentary courtesy to the agency. 

During the House committee on appropriations’ briefing for the proposed budget of the OVP, the agency presented its proposed budget worth P785.204 million,.

A huge chunk of the budget will be allocated for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses worth P561.651 million, followed by Personnel Services (P235.776 million); and Capital Outlay (P3.321 million). 

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After the OVP’s presentation, Rep. Robert Nazal made a motion to extend parliamentary courtesy to the OVP by waiving questions regarding its proposed budget.

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Nazal explained that the motion was not intended as a form of special treatment but for “consistency” as the House panel also extended the same courtesy to the Office of the President on Tuesday. 

However, Rep. Antonio Tinio objected to the motion, saying that practice must be abolished to uphold transparency and accountability in budget briefings. 

Nazal withdrew his motion as OVP Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez agreed to answer questions from the panel.