Cut in OVP budget sought after Sara snub

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and the Makabayan bloc sought a substantial cut in the P903-million proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2026 after Vice President Sara Duterte snubbed the House plenary budget deliberations.

- By JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

On Thursday, Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, who was assigned to sponsor the OVP's proposed budget, informed the plenary that not a single official of the OVP was present to defend its proposed budget.

Duterte is reportedly in Cebu attending to earthquake victims.

Alvarez told the plenary that Duterte forwarded to him a letter addressed to Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing, chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, where the Vice President listed two conditions for her to attend the budget deliberations.

"I am seeking the following: 1. The House of Representatives demand the attendance of President Marcos for the P27.3-billion budget deliberations of the Office of the President," Duterte said.