Senate panel proposes higher budgets for OP and OVP in 2026

The Senate Committee on Finance has proposed an increase in the 2026 budget allocations for the Offices of the President (OP) and the Vice President (OVP), compared to the House-approved General Appropriations Bill.

The committee recommended an additional P66.2 million for the OP's budget, bringing its total to P27.352 billion, which will cover increments in operating expenses such as travel, training, supplies, and utilities.

This adjustment for the OP is P66.2 million higher than the P27.286 billion approved by the House of Representatives.

For the OVP, the panel proposed an increase of P156.038 million, raising its total budget from P733.198 million under the GAB to P889.236 million for 2026.

The increased budget for the OVP is earmarked for maintenance and other operating expenses, travel, supplies, professional services, and additional funding for its financial assistance program.