Palace says 64% budget cut will not slow down presidential operations

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 06, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PCO

PHILIPPINES – Malacañang is confident it can keep the President’s operations running smoothly despite a proposed 64-percent reduction in the Office of the President’s 2027 budget.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the proposed allocation of ₱10.15 billion is enough to sustain the President’s daily duties, including Cabinet meetings, policy consultations, official engagements and coordination among government agencies.

The proposed funding is significantly lower than the ₱28.03 billion appropriated for the OP in 2026, with Recto attributing the reduction to the streamlining of the office’s 49 delivery units and the completion of activities tied to the Philippines’ ASEAN Summit hosting.

Despite the lower allocation, Recto said the Palace will continue supporting emergency response, assistance for vulnerable sectors, economic programs and national security efforts.

He stressed that a smaller budget does not mean fewer responsibilities for the Office of the President, saying the focus should be on whether government activities translate into jobs, investments, stronger security and better public services.

The proposed OP budget is equivalent to just one-seventh of one percent of the ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027.

The House Appropriations Committee endorsed the proposal on September 1 after lawmakers ended deliberations through institutional and inter-branch courtesy.

Recto said the budget proposal was prepared under existing Department of Budget and Management rules, emphasizing that the Palace sought no special treatment.