The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has defended its financial track record by highlighting its “sound and efficient” budget utilization for 2025, moving to counter ongoing scrutiny over confidential funds just before Vice President Sara Duterte faces an impeachment trial in the Senate.
Data from the OVP’s 2025 Annual Report shows that the agency obligated more than 92% of its ₱913-million allocation and achieved an 81% disbursement rate. The OVP stated that these metrics demonstrated “sound fiscal management” and underscored its success in delivering public services across the country.
Additionally, the agency pointed to a “very satisfactory” evaluation received during the Department of Budget and Management’s 2024 Annual Performance Review, asserting that the grade proves its high financial absorption capacity and precise budget execution.
This self-assessment arrives at a highly contentious time for Duterte, who remains under intense political and legal pressure regarding secret spending at both the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd), her former cabinet portfolio.
Congressional investigations previously spotlighted severe anomalies in these secret accounts, with lawmakers questioning irregular acknowledgment receipts, mismatched documentation, and highly suspect names on recipient lists.
While the Vice President and her office have consistently dismissed allegations of financial misconduct, asserting that all secret outlays complied with existing regulations, lawmakers note that numerous core discrepancies exposed during the house probes remain unanswered.
These contentious funds form the backbone of the impeachment charges forwarded to the Senate, where Duterte is set to be tried for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.
Defying the legislative fallout, the OVP maintained that its latest fiscal record serves as proof of its ongoing commitment to financial discipline, prudent management, and adherence to state accountability standards.