Senator Bong Go expressed his full support for the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), even offering to reallocate a portion of his own Senate office funds to boost the OVP’s resources.
During the budget deliberations with the Finance Committee in the Senate, Go emphasized that Vice President Sara Duterte has proven her commitment to public service, recalling her track record both as mayor of Davao City and as the country’s Vice President.
“Kung pwede lang po, Mr. Chair, kung allowed po ito, bawasan po ang budget ko sa opisina sa Senado. Kahit konti, ilagay nalang po sa OVP,” Go said.
He noted that the OVP is seeking only a 1% increase in its budget for next year, which he argued is a modest request considering the scale of assistance it provides to the public.
Go, a longtime aide of former President Rodrigo Duterte, vouched for the Vice President’s strict and transparent governance style.
“Kung strikto po si dating Mayor at dating Pangulong Duterte sa panggobyerno, mas strikto po si VP Sara. Alam ko pong magagamit talaga ang pondo para pang tulong sa ating mga kababayan, kesa naman po napupunta lang sa flood control na gagatasan ng ilang mapagsamantala,” he said.
He also underscored that VP Sara is not merely a ceremonial leader but a “working Vice President,” directly addressing the needs of Filipinos, particularly those from marginalized sectors.
“Inihalal po ang Vice President hindi lamang para umupo sa pwesto at maging spare tire. Inihalal po siya para maglingkod at tumugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” Go added.
Citing the long lines of people seeking assistance from OVP’s satellite offices, Go appealed to his fellow senators to swiftly approve the agency’s budget in recognition of its role in delivering social services.
“We must further empower and help the VP’s office to respond to the needs of the Filipino people, especially the marginalized sector,” he said.
The Senate later on approved the budget of the OVP amounting to P902.895 million with the power of parliamentary courtesy.
