The House of Representatives has officially terminated plenary deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget of the Office of the President (OP) alongside its attached agencies, bringing their funding requests one step closer to final legislative approval.
Under the 2027 proposal, the OP is set to receive P10.16 billion, with P7.46 billion allocated for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE). The total represents a significant reduction from its 2026 funding allocation of P28.03 billion.
Defending the executive budget on the plenary floor, House Committee on Appropriations Senior Vice Chairperson and Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia emphasized the presidency’s effort to streamline its spending plan.
“This is an office that tightened its own belt before asking our people or any agency,” Garcia said, highlighting that the proposed funding comprises only 0.14% of the total P7.4-trillion national budget.
Garcia explained that the 64.02 percent reduction from the OP’s 2026 budget was primarily driven by the completion of locally funded programs, particularly those tied to the country’s hosting of ASEAN 2026. Even when excluding ASEAN-related expenditures, regular operational programs under the OP were trimmed by P392.52 million, or 3.75 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year.
In the same session, lawmakers also terminated plenary debates on the proposed P2.62-billion budget for the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and its attached bureaus.
Defending the media and information agency, Appropriations Committee Vice Chairperson and Mandaluyong City Rep. Alexandria Gonzales underscored that the PCO maintains the lowest budget allocation among all executive department-level offices while executing a critical mandate.
“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.
Gonzales pointed out that the agency’s responsibility has grown increasingly vital in a digital landscape where social media enables public information, as well as disinformation, manipulated media, and AI-generated content, to circulate rapidly.
“Clear communication therefore connects policy with public service, supports participation, and helps sustain trust between the government and the people,” Gonzales added.
Alongside the OP and PCO, the House also approved the proposed P851.39-million allocation for the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) for 2027, with Garcia serving as sponsor for the measure.