Senator Jinggoy Estrada has stirred discussions in the Senate after suggesting that lawmakers should consider redirecting their budgetary insertions to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to strengthen Vice President Sara Duterte’s capacity as what he called a more “working” Vice President.

Estrada made the remark during deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget, where senators debated the allocations for various agencies amid concerns of overspending and questionable fund placements. The senator argued that the OVP has historically been underfunded compared to other high-level offices, limiting its ability to roll out projects and extend services nationwide.

“Kung gusto talaga nating maging ‘working Vice President’ si VP Sara, baka pwedeng doon na lang natin ibigay ang mga insertions. Sa ganitong paraan, may sapat siyang pondo para sa mga programa at hindi na siya maaakusahan na walang ginagawa,” Estrada said.

The proposal comes as the OVP faces criticism over its confidential and intelligence funds (CIF), which have been the subject of public scrutiny. Estrada, however, maintained that beyond the CIF controversy, the Vice President’s office should be given enough logistical support to deliver education, livelihood, and disaster-response programs.

Several senators expressed mixed reactions to Estrada’s proposal. Some viewed it as a strategic way to bolster the OVP’s capacity without drawing further controversy on confidential allocations, while others warned it could set a precedent for political favoritism and imbalance in budget priorities.

Senate Minority members also raised concerns that channeling insertions to a single office may bypass intended agencies with established mandates, such as the Departments of Education, Health, and Social Welfare.

Meanwhile, Estrada clarified that his suggestion was not a formal motion but rather an “idea worth exploring,” especially as the Marcos administration seeks stronger collaboration between the President and Vice President. He added that supporting the OVP’s institutional role would reflect Congress’s commitment to ensuring both leaders function effectively in serving the people.

The Senate is expected to continue budget debates throughout the week, with Estrada’s remarks adding to the ongoing discourse on transparency, allocation fairness, and the prioritization of public funds.