The Office of the Vice President (OVP), under Vice President Sara Duterte, is proposing a ₱903 million budget for 2026—₱170 million higher than this year’s allocation.
OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo shared in a press conference that the original proposal maintained the 2025 budget of ₱733 million. However, after deliberation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), it was increased to ₱803.6 million. The OVP later requested further funds to support personnel services and IT equipment, bringing the total to ₱903 million.
“These additions are to cover the cost of hiring more employees and acquiring IT equipment needed to support the office’s functions,” Castelo said.
She clarified that the OVP has not requested any confidential funds for 2026. “If they want to give, they want to give, but we didn’t request,” she said.
When asked about the likelihood of Congress approving the new budget, Castelo responded, “We can just hope and pray they recognize the need.”
She confirmed that OVP officials will participate in budget hearings at both the House of Representatives and the Senate.