The House Committee on Appropriations abruptly terminated budget hearings for the Office of the President (OP) on Tuesday morning, September 1, overriding opposition from members of the Makabayan bloc.
During the panel’s review of the proposed ₱7.2-trillion General Appropriations Bill for 2027, the chamber’s leadership secured a 37-5 vote in favor of shutting down discussions early.
Presided over by Bataan 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia, the proceedings wrapped up in just 16 minutes—starting at 9:43 a.m. with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto’s presentation and ending shortly after the vote was announced.
Representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the hearing, Recto emphasized the administration’s respect for the legislative branch.
“I’m here above all in faithful compliance with the President’s standing directive: Honor Congress, respect it’s mandate and regard it as a full partner in advancing the welfare of our people,” Recto stated.
The OP requested a proposed budget of ₱10.15 billion for 2027, accounting for 0.14 percent of the national total budget proposal.
“We respectfully propose a budget of ₱10.15 billion for 2027. This represents only 0.14 percent or roughly one-seventh of one percent, of the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget,” Recto explained.
Recto pointed out that the request reflects a 64 percent decline compared to the 2026 allocation, following the completion of expenditures related to the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
“In short we’re asking for less, while fully prepared to do more. We believe this amount is sufficient for the presidency to lead the exacting demands of leading the nation at a time of overlapping domestic and external challenges,” he added.