The Office of the President has requested a budget exceeding P1 billion to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s domestic and international travel plans for the coming year, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced that the proposed P1.054 billion budget is a decrease from the P1.148 billion allocated this year. “It is P94 million or eight percent lower compared to the 2024 General Appropriations Act,” Pangandaman said during a Palace briefing.
Critics have raised concerns about the frequency of Marcos Jr.’s trips abroad. However, the Palace maintains that these trips are crucial for promoting the Philippines as an investment destination and strengthening ties with allied countries.
Despite the reduced budget, Pangandaman assured that the government’s efforts to market the Philippines to investors and follow up on previous investment pledges would continue. She emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the economic team to attract more investments.
“There are signed memoranda of understanding and agreements that require follow-up to ensure the investments materialize,” Pangandaman added.