Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) welcomed the proposed ₱903 million budget for 2026, a significant increase from its previously allotted ₱733 million, and said Vice President Sara Duterte will assess whether further funding will be requested.
In an interview on ‘The Newsmaker,’ OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo confirmed that the office is pleased with the development, which was confirmed by Malacañang and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).“Oh yes, of course it’s a welcome move. We’re very happy that from the ₱733 million proposed budget for 2026 , copying only what was approved in 2025 — nag-increase siya from ₱733 to ₱803.6 million and then another increase happened and now we’re at ₱903 million,” said Castelo. [Translation: It increased from ₱733 million to ₱803.6 million, and then another increase brought it to ₱903 million.] She added that the OVP would be content if the budget stays at ₱903 million, or better yet, even higher.Castelo said any decision to request a bigger budget would be made only after internal discussions within the OVP and with the approval of Duterte herself.She added that should the OVP pursue a higher budget, it is ready to defend it in Congress. Still, Castelo acknowledged the reality of political dynamics.“Kaya lang, of course, ang susunod naman is papayagan ba? Kasi kahit anong justification naman ang gawin natin… kung ayaw naman nila, umpisa pa lang, hihindi na sila,” she said[Translation: The question is, will they allow it? Because no matter how strong our justification is, if they don’t want it from the start, they’ll just say no.] In last year’s budget deliberations, the OVP proposed ₱2.03 billion budget for 2025 was rejected, Representatives hearings.Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to a higher OVP budget. In a previous statement, the Palace emphasized that while the OVP may ask for more, it will ultimately depend on Congress to deliberate and approve the request.As for where the 2026 budget will go, Castelo said the vice president plans to prioritize medical and burial assistance, as well as feeding programs for undernourished children.
