P10.5-B presidential budget breezes through Senate panel

Metro Manila, Philippines— It took less than 10 minutes for a Senate subcommittee on finance to approve the proposed Office of the President budget on Monday, Sept. 23.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin presented the proposal for 2025 worth P10.5 billion, or 1.88% lower than the current outlay.

“We believe that the amount will be enough for the president to meet the exacting demands of being the head of state and of government, the chief architect of Philippine foreign policy, and the commander-in-chief,” said Bersamin.

“Despite the reduction in the budget being proposed, rest assured, your honors, that the same will not accommodate the logistical requirements of honoring invitations from foreign leaders to visit their countries, as well as to carry out diplomatic initiatives which would yield job-creating investments that will hasten support to our post-pandemic economic recovery,” he added.

Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said lawmakers should support the budget request.

“We trust in the transparent and accountable stewardship of public funds by the Office of the President,” he said.

The senator also cited parliamentary courtesy in expediting the budget deliberations.