OVP 2026 Budget Sees Significant Increase
MANILA, Philippines — The proposed 2026 budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has been raised by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) by P170 million, local sources said. This increase brings the total proposed budget to P903 million.
Originally, the OVP submitted a budget proposal of P733 million for 2026. However, the DBM initially added around P70 million to this amount. Following this, the OVP requested a further increase, particularly to bolster personnel services and upgrade IT equipment. The DBM granted this additional request, resulting in the final proposed budget of P903 million, according to OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo.
Details Behind the Budget Increase
“When they added around P60-something million, we requested additional funds for personnel services… to better fulfill the functions and other IT equipment needed for the OVP,” Castelo explained in an interview. This budget increase aims to strengthen the office’s capacity to serve the public effectively in the coming year.
Despite the rise in budget, Castelo clarified that the P903 million does not include any confidential funds. When asked about this exclusion, she said, “If they want to give, they want to give. That is already okay. It was not requested anymore.” This suggests that the OVP chose not to request confidential funds for 2026.
Looking Ahead to Congressional Approval
Castelo expressed hope that Congress will recognize the importance of the increased OVP 2026 budget and approve it during the upcoming budget hearings. She confirmed the commitment of the OVP staff to actively participate in these hearings to justify the proposed funds and demonstrate their necessity.
Local leaders and government insiders note that this budget adjustment reflects the evolving needs of the Vice President’s office and the administration’s priorities for the next fiscal year.
For more news and updates on the OVP 2026 budget, visit Filipinokami.com.