ACT Teachers party-List Rep. France Castro has vowed to vigorously oppose the budget allocation for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for 2025, particularly funds designated for social aid.
“Given the previous misuse of confidential funds, we must ensure that public funds are allocated and utilized properly. We cannot allow the allocation of a separate budget for a department that has a dubious track record,” Castro stressed.
She highlighted the “alarming track record” of Vice President Sara Duterte in managing public funds, citing a recent directive of the Commission on Audit for the Vice President to return P73 million in confidential funds that were disallowed due to improper use.
“If the OVP cannot properly manage its P73-million confidential fund, how can we entrust them an even higher budget? This is about protecting taxpayers’ money from potential misuse,” Castro noted.
During the last budget hearing, Castro said that Duterte failed to provide adequate explanation on how she spent taxpayers’ money.
“We asked, and the Vice President could not give clear answers. She consumed entirely the confidential funds, but she doesn’t want to explain how it was used,” Castro added.
“How can we, as lawmakers, justify giving her more funds when she cannot even account for the money she has already spent? Again, this is not about politicizing. This about protecting the hard-earned money of every Filipino,” the lawmaker said.
According to her, the budget for social services should be channelled directly to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, instead of being allocated separately to the OVP.
“The DSWD has the mandate and expertise to handle social services. By funnelling the budget to the DSWD, we can ensure that the funds are used properly and reach those who need them most,” Castro explained.
She suggested that the OVP, like the senators, congressmen and local officials, receive allocations through the DSWD should they have specific initiatives that they want to pursue.
“This approach not only promotes transparency and accountability, but also ensures that funds are managed by an agency specifically trained and equipped to handle social welfare programs,” she pointed out
“As lawmakers, we are simply fulfilling our duty. It is our responsibility to scrutinize how public funds are spent. We owe it to the Filipino people to ensure that their money is used wisely, transparently, and for their benefit, and not to enrich those in power,” Castro said.
