Senate OKs P27.3 billion Office of the President budget for 2026

National

THE Senate on Monday, Nob. 26, swiftly approved the proposed ₱27.35-billion budget of the Office of the President (OP) for 2026, after senators ended deliberations without debate in what was described as an act of “institutional courtesy.”

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who moved to terminate interpellations, emphasized that the courtesy extended not only to the executive branch but also to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who previously served in the Senate.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, formerly finance chief, attended the plenary session as the OP’s representative during budget discussions, a report by Philstar stated.

The Senate version of the General Appropriations Bill reflects a ₱66.2-million increase from the amount approved by the House of Representatives, an augmentation largely intended to support the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit.

According to the OP, the country is preparing to welcome 21 heads of state—including U.S.

President Donald Trump—for the high-level regional meetings. The Philippines last hosted the ASEAN Summit in 2017, and officials say next year’s preparations require increased logistical and security spending.

The 2026 OP budget breezed through the Senate with little scrutiny, a contrast to heated debates surrounding other agencies’ allocations amid fiscal pressures and demands for greater transparency.

Lawmakers noted that the presidency traditionally receives swift approval due to long-standing norms between branches of government.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)