00:00 Actually, we're in receipt of a statement from the Vice President we discussed earlier.
00:07 And according to her, the OVP can only propose a budget to support the safe implementation
00:12 of its PAPs or programs, activities and programs to alleviate poverty and promote the general
00:18 welfare of each and every Filipino family.
00:21 Nonetheless, they will no longer pursue the CIF or CF.
00:26 And the reason why is because it is seen to be divisive and as the Vice President, she
00:31 swore an oath to keep the country peaceful and strong.
00:35 So just as I commended the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Migrant Workers and the
00:44 other agencies which willingly gave up their CIF or the CF or did not even ask for these
00:52 funds given this latest manifestation by the Vice President, I commend her, Mr. President,
01:01 for now categorically stating to this house that it's not a deferral to our wisdom.
01:10 She does not want it anymore, Mr. President.
01:14 So if that is how I understand the statement, I commend the Vice President.
01:18 With in mind that budget proposals coming from the House going to the Senate, the Senate
01:27 can, may propose or concur with amendments.
01:34 That would be the operative words coming from the Constitution itself.
01:38 So it's no longer lodged with the Office of the Vice President, but the decision should
01:46 come from this chamber, Mr. President, just to manifest that constitutional provision.
01:53 But we agree that there was a nod, a concurrence coming from the head of the office itself.
02:00 Thank you.
02:01 Thank you.
02:01 [end]
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