The Senate sub-panel on finance has given swift approval to the proposed P10.5 billion budget for the Office of the President (OP) for 2025, passing it at the committee level in under 10 minutes. The approval process was expedited due to parliamentary courtesy extended to the executive branch.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who represented President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., explained that the 2025 budget proposal is 1.88% lower than the previous year’s allocation. Despite the reduction, Bersamin assured that it would not compromise the delivery of services to the public.
“We believe that it will be enough for the President to meet the exacting demands of being the head of state, chief architect of foreign policy, and commander-in-chief,” Bersamin said during the hearing.
The proposed budget also includes allocations for infrastructure projects within the Palace Complex, as well as logistical support for diplomatic engagements aimed at securing investments for post-pandemic economic recovery.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada moved for the budget’s approval, which was seconded by Sen. Nancy Binay and later endorsed by Senate panel head Sen. Grace Poe. The proposal will now be submitted for plenary approval.