OP budget increased by P5B for ASEAN Summit 2026

The Office of the President's (OP) budget for fiscal year 2025 was increased by P5 billion to cover supplemental funds needed for hosting the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in 2026.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin disclosed this information at a Palace press briefing on Monday, following President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s signing of the P6.326 trillion budget for 2025.

Myanmar's withdrawal as host country due to ongoing civil war made the Philippines responsible for hosting ASEAN in alphabetical order.

According to Bersamin, preparations will begin this year and include logistical requirements and diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering job-creating investments, with potential future requests for additional funding totaling P22 billion.

Marcos named Bersamin as the ASEAN National Organizing Committee Chairperson in preparation for the country's hosting of the annual gathering.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo noted that the Philippines may raise its South China Sea dispute with China during the Summit, highlighting the importance of international relations.