Vice President Sara Duterte’s Office budget slashed

DAVAO CITY, Philippines —– Vice President Sara Duterte’s office saw a significant budget cut for 2025. The House Appropriations Committee reduced her proposed budget from P2 billion to P733.2 million, a reduction of over P1.2 billion.

Marikina Second District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, senior vice chairperson of the committee, confirmed the cut during a news briefing. This decision followed Duterte’s absence from budget deliberations led by Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list.

Quimbo assured that despite the budget cut, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) will maintain its jobs and social services. The P947 million allocated for financial assistance will be transferred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH), with each agency receiving approximately P646 million.

The budget cuts will affect several areas: P200 million for supplies, P92.4 million for consultants, P947.4 million for financial assistance, P48.3 million for rent/lease, and P5 million for utilities.

Rep. Co defended the House leadership against Duterte’s criticisms, labeling her comments as diversionary tactics. He criticized Duterte’s refusal to explain her confidential funds and noted her large security detail, which he described as excessive.

Co also criticized Duterte’s understanding of the separation of powers, accusing her of intellectual dishonesty for not addressing lawmakers’ questions during the budget hearings.