"We move to dispense (with presentation of budget). This is a due courtesy to the Office of the Vice President," Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, VP Robredo's party-mate at Liberal Party (LP) said during the budget hearing, echoing the statement of committee chairperson Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles. The OVP 2018 budget was approved, with no questions asked.
In an ambush interview with reporters right after the hearing, VP Leni Robredo said that she is very thankful to the House appropriations committee members for their unanimous approval of her office budget for 2018, and that she took it as a sign of trust to her. She also explained some details of her proposed budget, and emphasized on their savings.
"Basically, iyong increase talaga namin, dumagdag sa capital outlay, saka iyong personnel services. Pagpasok ko kasi, maraming mga positions na dati nang created pero hindi filled-up. Finill-up na natin iyon. Pero grabe yung binaba ng MOOE (Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses) namin. So definitely, we have saved a lot." VP Robredo said.
Based on records, the OVP 2018 approved budget is 3.58 percent higher than its approved 2017 budget of P428.618 million. Its 2018 proposed MOOE of P349.029 million went down by 2.32 percent, from its approved 2017 budget of P357.324 million. In addition, the OVP has allotted P11.34 million for its capital outlay, 11.63% than last year's budget.
According to the OVP, its Angat Buhay anti-poverty program has served around 75,038 families nationwide in 2017. It should be noted, however that the OVP only acts as a mediator between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local government units (LGUs), and that VP Robredo's office does not subsidize the expenses for the said program.
Contributed by Abner Esteno
WTH
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