SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, vice chairperson of the senate committee on finance, voiced his full support for the PHP2.037-billion proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) during a Senate budget deliberation on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
In his speech, Go emphasized that the budget would significantly benefit Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged.
He cited his firsthand experience with Vice President Sara Duterte’s dedication to public service, stating, “I can attest to the positive impact she has made on every community and the entire nation.”
“Sa mga nakaraang taon, nagkaroon ang OVP ng mga programang nagbibigay ng tunay na benepisyo po sa ating mamamayan. From medical assistance to relief operations, educational support, pangkabuhayan programs, at libreng sakay, among others,” Go shared.
In particular, Go highlighted that the Libreng Sakay Program of the OVP had already served more than 638,000 passengers in Metro Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao in 2023 alone.
The senator has supported VP Sara’s Libreng Sakay Program by partnering with the OVP to further augment its free bus rides.
“Meron pong pinahiram sa akin na bus noong 2019 at ngayon po’y pinahiram din po natin ito sa OVP para po mas marami pang kababayan nating commuters ang makikinabang sa programang Libreng Sakay,” he continued.
The proposed budget, which has been submitted to the plenary following the Finance committee’s approval, will support the continuation and expansion of key OVP programs.
These include the popular “Libreng Sakay (Free Ride)” Program, Disaster Relief Operations, and the Pagbabago: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign, among others.
Senator Go also expressed support for the introduction of two new initiatives next year—the educational assistance program and the wheelchair program, which he believes will further extend the reach of the OVP’s social services.
Furthermore, the PHP2.037-billion budget will enable the OVP to maintain its satellite and extension offices, enhancing its capacity to deliver services nationwide.
“Bawat piso po’y napakahalaga sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino, lalung-lalo na po sa mga mahihirap. Ang programang ito ay tunay na nakakatulong sa pagpapagaan sa kanilang araw-araw na pamumuhay, kaya’t mas lalo pa po natin itong suportahan,” Go added, noting that the Vice President’s efforts resonate deeply with his own advocacies.
With the backing of Senator Go and other Senate members, the proposed budget is poised to empower the OVP to continue making a difference in the lives of many Filipinos, especially those in need.
