Executive Secretary Ralph Recto reassured the House Committee on Appropriations that a proposed 64% reduction in the Office of the President’s (OP) 2027 budget will not hamper Malacañang’s capacity to lead government operations and fulfill its executive duties.
The OP is seeking a ₱10.15-billion allocation for 2027, representing a sharp decline from its current ₱28-billion appropriation.
“It is equivalent to one-seventh of one percent of the proposed ₱7.2 trillion national budget,” Recto said.
“We are asking for less while remaining fully prepared to do more,” Recto told members of the House.
Recto attributed the substantial fiscal reduction to the completion of the Philippines’ ASEAN Summit hosting duties this year and the structural streamlining across the OP’s 49 delivery units.
The breakdown of the proposed ₱10.15-billion budget includes:
- Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses: ₱7.46 billion (74%)
- Personnel Services: ₱1.86 billion (18%)
- Capital Outlay: ₱839 million (8%)
According to Recto, the funding allocation complies strictly with Department of Budget and Management (DBM) standards, ensuring sufficient support for presidential engagements, emergency response mechanisms, policy coordination, and daily executive functions.
“We sought no special treatment,” Recto said.