Manila: The Senate Subcommittee on Finance, chaired by Sen. Loren Legarda, will review the request of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to increase its PHP2.8 billion proposed 2026 budget by PHP1.1 billion. During the hearing, Legarda emphasized the need to carefully assess the possibility of accommodating the request within the available fiscal space.

According to Philippines News Agency, the additional funding requested by the PCO is intended for several key projects. These include the retrofitting of the 43-year-old Philippine Information Agency (PIA) building, modernization of the People's Television Network Inc. (PTNI), and covering the remaining 35 percent of retirement benefits for employees of the International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13).

PCO Secretary Dave Gomez urged the committee to incorporate the requested increase as part of its amendments before the proposed national budget is presented in the Senate plenary. Gomez highlighted the poor condition of PTV-4's facilities, which require significant improvements and modernization. Additionally, he pointed out the urgent need for retrofitting the PIA building to ensure its safety and functionality.

Gomez also noted the importance of securing funds for the outstanding retirement benefits of IBC-13 employees, mentioning that 65 percent of these benefits were paid last year but the remaining balance was not included in the National Expenditure Program.