MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the President (OP) is seeking a “modest increase” in its proposed allocation for 2024, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin disclosed on Wednesday.
Bersamin explained the reason behind this request during the deliberations of Senate committee on finance on the proposed 2024 allocation for OP.
“We are asking for a modest increase, but at a rate that is within the norm of previous fiscal years,” he said.
“The lifting of the pandemic restrictions provides an avenue for the President to conduct in-person affairs of the state,” he noted.
“There are more meetings being conducted now and more Presidential public engagements now being held,” he presented the justifications.
“The Cabinet is convened more often. The consultations in Malacañang had become more constant and regular. The President’s schedule and call sheets are full,” he told the senators.
According to Bersamin, the budget adjustment the OP is seeking will also accommodate “logistical requirements” of honoring invitations from foreign leaders to visit their countries.
He believes the diplomatic invitations are beneficial to the country as these activities yield job-creating investments that may speed up the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
Marcos’ office is seeking P10.7 billion in funds for the next fiscal year.
A quick look into the OP’s proposal shows 72 percent of its budget will be allocated to Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).
16 percent will be spent on capital outlays.
12 percent will go to personal services, including Retirement and Life Insurance Premium and Pension (RLIP).
In an ambush interview after the panel’s hearing, Senator Sonny Angara told reporters that the OP’s budget request costs “a few hundred million” in terms of its MOOE.
Angara heads the Senate committee on finance.
Asked where the MOOE funds will be used, Angara responded, “anything that requires maintenance.”
“It’s not salaries. It’s not purchase of equipment or construction of buildings,” he made the distinction.
“Anything outside of that is considered MOOE,” he said.
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