MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Wednesday completed plenary deliberations on the proposed P10.16 billion budget of the Office of the President (OP) for 2027, along with those of the Presidential Communications Office and Presidential Management Staff.
Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia, senior vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee and sponsor of the OP budget, said P7.46 billion of the proposed allocation would go to maintenance and other operating expenses.
“This is an office that tightened its own belt before asking our people or any agency,” Garcia said, noting that the proposed allocation represents 0.14 percent of the P7.4 trillion national budget.
The OP’s spending plan for next year is 64.02 percent lower than its P28.03 billion allocation largely due to the completion of locally funded projects related to the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) Summit. Garcia said regular programs were also reduced by P392.52 million, or 3.75 percent, excluding Asean-related expenses.
Meanwhile, the proposed P2.62 billion budget of the PCO and its attached agencies, sponsored by Mandaluyong City Rep. Alexandria Gonzales, also hurdled plenary review.
Gonzales said the PCO budget would support efforts to provide timely and accessible information on government policies, programs and services through traditional and digital platforms.
“The PCO plays a vital role in ensuring that the Filipino people receive timely, accurate, accessible, and responsible information on government policies, programs and services,” Gonzales said.
She said the agency’s role has become more critical as social media accelerates the spread of information, misinformation, manipulated content and AI-generated material.
“Clear communication therefore connects policy with public service, supports participation, and helps sustain trust between the government and the people,” Gonzales said.
The House also approved the proposed P851.39 million budget of the PMS, with Garcia also serving as sponsor.
