Senate majority cool to OVP’s catering request
The Philippine Senate is unlikely to approve the Office of the Vice President's request for public funding to cover catering expenses for Sara Duterte's defense team during her impeachment trial. Senate leaders cited budget constraints and procurement regulations as primary reasons for the opposition.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions and fiscal scrutiny surrounding the impeachment proceedings of a high-ranking government official.
MANILA, Philippines - The Senate is unlikely to grant the Office of the Vice President's request for the chamber to shoulder the food and beverage expenses of Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team during her impeachment trial, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday.
Gatchalian said the Senate management is still studying the request but admitted budget limitations make its approval improbable.
"We are still finalizing the arrangements," Gatchalian told reporters.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on accounts, also opposed the OVP's request, saying that it would be irregular for the Senate to accommodate a separate caterer because the chamber already has an accredited food service provider selected through the government's procurement process.
Lacson also warned that granting the request could raise issues under the Government Procurement Reform Act.
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