Senate quickly OKs Marcos office's proposed 2026 budget

The Senate swiftly approved Wednesday the proposed P27.3 billion budget of the Office of the President (OP) for fiscal year 2026.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri moved for the budget of the OP and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) to be deemed submitted, after Senator Jinggoy Estrada made a motion to suspend the interpellation due to institutional courtesy. 

“Mr. President, this representation wishes to move for the termination of the interpellation budget of the Office of the President as a show of institutional courtesy to a co-equal branch of the government and to the President of the Republic who also happens to be a former colleague, a member of this august chamber during the 15th and 16th Congresses,” Estrada said. 

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III approved the motion after no senator objected. 

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto was personally present at the Senate to represent the OP.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was the sponsor of the OP’s proposed P27.3 billion and the PMS’ proposed P854 million for next year.  — RSJ, GMA Integrated News