By Billy Begas
Davao de Oro Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora stressed that the Vice President is not a mere spare tire for the presidency.
During Wednesday’s budget deliberation, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro discussed the different programs and projects of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) stressing that it is similar to the programs and projects of other government agencies.
Zamora, the sponsor of the proposed OVP budget for next year, said the “OVP believes that it is also the role of the Office of the Vice President to be complementary to whatever programs and projects of the Executive Departments.”
Castro mentioned the OVP programs like libreng sakay, medical assistance programs, and Magnegosyo ta day which are very similar to the programs and projects of other agencies.
“Syempre itong mandato ng Vice President ay just ah…excuse me for the term – spare tire ng Presidente just in case may mangyari. Yun naman talaga yung pinaka-mandato nito,” Castro said.
Zamora did not let the remark pass and interjected.
“On the statement that the Vice President is just a spare tire. May I reiterate and may I emphasize Mr. Speaker that the Vice President is the second highest office in the land,” Zamora said.
“And coming from the Executive department, the OVP is also mandated to promote the welfare of every Filipino,” Zamora added. “Traditionally, the Office of the Vice President has been providing socio-economic services under the past several administrations.”
Zamora said the OVP “believes that no single agency has monopoly to provide public service.”
In her closing remarks, Zamora said, “the Vice President of the Philippines is the second highest executive official of the government. Her mandate includes assisting the President and assuming the presidency in case of succession.”
Duterte is also the secretary of the Department of Education.
