Senate Committee fast-tracks PHP10.5B OP budget

The Senate Committee on Finance has swiftly approved the proposed PHP10.5 billion 2025 budget for President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s Office of the President (OP), which now proceeds to the plenary for final approval.

During a brief hearing that lasted less than ten minutes, Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada moved to approve the budget, emphasizing its importance in supporting the midterm goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin assured that despite a reduction of 1.88 percent from the OP’s 2024 budget, the proposed budget will cover logistics for international engagements and infrastructure within the Palace Complex to support post-pandemic economic recovery.

Senator Grace Poe acknowledged the contributions of various agencies under the Office of the President, such as the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the new Presidential Office for Child Protection.

Bersamin noted that the budget will also support essential services and policy directions to attract job-creating investments, aligning with the Marcos Administration's Build Better More program.