In a sudden turn of events at the House of Representatives, lawmakers swiftly ended deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) without asking a single question, following Vice President Sara Duterte’s absence from the plenary session.
With no members of the House minority bloc stepping forward to challenge the spending plan, the minority formally moved to terminate further discussions on the measure immediately upon its presentation.
Vice President Duterte was a notable absentee during the proceedings. In her place, Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio served as the highest-ranking official representing the OVP to oversee the spending discussions.
For the fiscal year 2027, the proposed OVP allocation stands at P785.20 million, marking an 11.69 percent reduction compared to its P889.23 million budget in 2026.
The seamless passage stands in stark contrast to previous years, where OVP budget hearings frequently turned into high-stakes political spectacles marked by heated clashes between lawmakers and the Vice President over fiscal transparency.
The rapid approval also comes against a backdrop of ongoing legal and political challenges for Duterte. Her past utilization of public funds remains a central issue in her active Senate impeachment trial, particularly regarding accusations of misplaced confidential funds. Furthermore, a 2024 House inquiry into allegations that she mismanaged P612.5 million in secret funds across the OVP and the Department of Education, which she formerly led, continues to form key grounds in the ongoing proceedings against her.
In addition to fund misuse, the Vice President faces serious allegations including making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., offering bribes to circumvent standard procurement laws, and accumulating unexplained wealth.