House Panel OKs ₱27.3-B Budget for Office of the President
The House Appropriations Committee has approved the proposed ₱27.3-billion budget for the Office of the President (OP) for 2026. A total of 56 lawmakers voted in favor, while five voted against it. This approval is an important step in the budget process before it goes to the full House for further discussion.
The Office of the President plays a key role in supporting the Philippine President in carrying out duties as head of state and leader of the government. It is based in Malacañang Palace in Manila and oversees many offices and agencies that handle important areas such as law enforcement, public safety, environmental programs, economic growth, infrastructure, education, culture, and social services.
Some of the agencies under the OP include the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Security Council (NSC), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Climate Change Commission (CCC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), among others. These agencies work under the supervision of the OP to make sure government plans and projects are carried out properly.
The approved budget will be used to cover the daily operations of these offices and to support the President’s programs. This includes efforts to improve public safety, reduce poverty, prepare for natural disasters, and promote the country’s economic development.
The approval of the OP budget has drawn public interest as it reflects the government’s priorities for the coming year. While most lawmakers supported it, five voted against the proposal, raising concerns about how the money will be spent and monitored.
As the budget moves forward, it will still go through further review and debate in Congress before it becomes final.