Office of the President proposes ₱10.156B budget for 2027, down 64%

The Office of the President (OP) on Tuesday presented to the House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, its proposed ₱10.156-billion budget for fiscal year 2027—64 percent lower than its allocation in 2026.

Committee Senior Vice Chair and Bataan Rep. Albert S. Garcia, who presided over the budget briefing, said the proposed funding would enable the OP to continue carrying out its responsibilities while advancing the interests of Filipinos.

“The proposed budget is intended to ensure that the country’s highest executive office is fully-equipped to carry out its constitutional and administrative mandates… [and] directed towards advancing the interest and serving the needs of the Filipino people,” Garcia said.

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto explained that the substantial reduction reflects lower operational requirements for 2027, noting that this year’s budget included allocations related to the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit.

Despite the decrease, Recto expressed confidence that the proposed allocation would be sufficient for the presidency to carry out its responsibilities amid overlapping domestic and external challenges.

“In short, we are asking for less while remaining fully prepared to do more,” Recto said.

The Executive Secretary also emphasized fiscal discipline and accountability in the use of public funds, stressing that government resources are entrusted by the Filipino people with the expectation that they will translate into services that improve their lives.

Recto cited the Commission on Audit’s issuance of an unmodified opinion on the OP’s financial statements for fiscal year 2025—the office’s third consecutive unmodified opinion since 2022.

“This is a badge of good housekeeping. This is proof that the Filipino people’s money is accounted for and that their trust is respected,” said Recto.

During the hearing, lawmakers also expressed support for key policies of the administration.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez said he supports the proposed OP budget, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s foreign policy as well as the administration’s assistance to farmers and fisherfolk.

“We are therefore here to signify our full support. First, the President’s stand on the right way to counter China…and of course, the assistance to farmers and fisherfolks,” declared Rodriguez.

Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino C. Libanan later moved to extend institutional and interbranch courtesy to the OP and terminate further deliberations and interpellations on its proposed 2027 budget.

The committee carried Libanan’s motion by a vote of 37-5.

Garcia said manifestations and other concerns raised by House members would be transmitted to the OP for response before or during the plenary deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget.