In an interview with reporters who followed VP Leni Robredo in her visit to poor communities in Pateros this Friday, June 30 as she marked her first year in the office, the 52-year old vice president said she decided to partner with different organizations and local government units in her 'Angat-Buhay project because her office lacks budget.
Based on COA's annual report, the OVP's total expenditures in 2016 was spent for medical (P126 million) and burial (P3.7 million) assistance. However, the commission noted that P93.8 million (or around 72 percent) of it was spent from July 1 to December 31, 2016. That's within 6 months after VP Robredo assumed office, replacing Jejomar Binay.
But while OVP's underspending seems to be impressive, COA emphasized that more people could have received financial assistance. The agency noted that the remaning balance of nearly P90 million could have sent at least 3,500 cancer patients to chemotherapy sessions, or supported additional 29,000 burials with at least P3,000 each.
In its defense to COA audtiors, the OVP’s Public Assistance Division (PAD) noted some problems that have hindered their projects. This includes difficulties in the completion of technical requirements such as manpower shortage, where only four to seven office personnel were reportedly available to interview people asking for financial assistance.
“OVP only receives application directly forwarded to their office. Those requiring assistance in the provinces or outside Metro Manila would need to travel to the OVP office in Quezon City,” COA said in its report, citing the OVP's geographical limitation to extend its financial assistance. Another problem cited is the so-called transition or adjustment period.
Contributed by Renato Pasayao
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