Some OVP programs halted amid budget cut
THE Office of the Vice President (OVP) said it would no longer provide medical and burial assistance to the poor as there were no funds allocated for such initiatives under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. "There is no approved budget for the Medical and Burial Assistance Program of the Office of the Vice President under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. We apologize for the inconvenience," it said in a statement. The OVP requested a budget of P2.037 billion but Congress only approved P733.198 million, almost the same as the P712 million allocated for former vice president Leni Robredo in 2022. Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said the slashed funds were realigned for the use of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health for initiatives including Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations and the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients. Allocation for the operation of OVP satellite offices was also reduced by Congress, citing unnecessary duplication and higher costs. Vice President Sara Duterte said the OVP prioritized projects in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. "Unlike locations like Davao City where opportunities abound, smaller areas need more help," Duterte said. She assured the public of the sustained operation of OVP satellite offices, though limited projects would be implemented. The Office of the OVP said 187,028 indigents received medical and burial assistance in 2024, for a total amount of P822.326 million disbursed from January to December of that year.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Office of the Vice President (OVP) said it would no longer provide medical and burial assistance to the poor as there were no funds allocated for such initiatives under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
"There is no approved budget for the Medical and Burial Assistance Program of the Office of the Vice President under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. We apologize for the inconvenience," it said in a statement.
The OVP requested a budget of P2.037 billion but Congress only approved P733.198 million, almost the same as the P712 million allocated for former vice president Leni Robredo in 2022.
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said the slashed funds were realigned for the use of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health for initiatives including Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations and the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients.
Allocation for the operation of OVP satellite offices was also reduced by Congress, citing unnecessary duplication and higher costs.
Vice President Sara Duterte said the OVP prioritized projects in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
"Unlike locations like Davao City where opportunities abound, smaller areas need more help," Duterte said.
She assured the public of the sustained operation of OVP satellite offices, though limited projects would be implemented.
The Office of the OVP said 187,028 indigents received medical and burial assistance in 2024, for a total amount of P822.326 million disbursed from January to December of that year.
