MANILA—The Office of the President (OP) is seeking a ₱10.156-billion budget for fiscal year 2027, a 64 percent reduction from its allocation for 2026, during a budget briefing before the House Committee on Appropriations.

The committee, chaired by Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, heard the OP’s proposed funding, with Committee Senior Vice Chair and Bataan Rep. Albert S. Garcia presiding over the briefing.

Garcia said the proposed allocation would allow the OP to continue fulfilling its constitutional and administrative responsibilities while addressing the needs and 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 attributed the significant decrease to lower operational requirements for 2027, noting that the OP’s 2026 budget included allocations for the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit.

Despite the reduced allocation, Recto said the proposed budget would be enough for the presidency to perform its functions amid domestic and external challenges.

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

Recto also stressed the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and accountability, saying government funds are entrusted by Filipinos and should be translated into services that improve their lives.

He cited the Commission on Audit’s issuance of an unmodified opinion on the OP’s 2025 financial statements, marking 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 voiced support for several administration policies.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez backed the proposed OP budget, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s foreign policy and 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 subsequently moved to extend institutional and interbranch courtesy to the OP and end further deliberations and interpellations on its proposed 2027 budget.

The motion was approved by the committee, 37-5.

Garcia said the concerns and manifestations raised by House members during the hearing would be forwarded to the OP for appropriate responses before or during plenary deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget.