Manila: The Senate Finance Committee has approved the proposed PHP27.3 billion budget for the Office of the President (OP) and the PHP882.5 million for the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) as part of the 2026 National Expenditure Program. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of Finance Subcommittee A, led the budget hearing where Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and PMS Secretary Elaine Masukat outlined their agencies' financial allocations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bersamin emphasized Malaca±ang's dedication to collaborating with Congress, stating that their presence at the hearing demonstrated the President's commitment to working with the Senate to further national welfare and interests. Bersamin assured that the Office of the President would cooperate with Congress in its fiscal oversight role.

Masukat explained that the PMS budget represents a 1.14 percent increase from 2025, aimed at supporting various functions, including the preparation of presidential briefers, monitoring directives, managing public concerns, and providing Cabinet secretariat support.

Senator Gatchalian, after reviewing the presentations, announced that the committee approved the budgets, which will now proceed to the plenary for consideration, contingent upon the submission of requested documents by senators. Additionally, some senators expressed interest in increasing the OP's budget to accommodate expenses related to the Philippines' hosting of the ASEAN Summit next year.