OVP seeks P903M budget for 2026, DBM approves P170M increase

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has proposed an increased budget of P903 million for 2026, following two revisions by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), with OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo expressing hope that Congress will approve the requested funds.

At a press conference, Castelo stated that the initial proposal was P733 million but was later revised to P903 million after DBM approved an additional P170 million for personnel services and IT equipment requests.

The OVP confirmed that no confidential or intelligence funds will be requested for next year, a decision Vice President Sara Duterte made to avoid embarrassing situations during budget deliberations.

Castelo reiterated her hope that Congress would approve the proposed budget increase, emphasizing that the full complement of the OVP on budget will be present during congressional deliberations.

Rep. Renee Louise M. Co urged VP Duterte to prove her innocence before a budget increase can be justified amid ongoing impeachment charges and questions over 2022 secret fund expenditure.