MANILA, Philippines – HUMILING ang Presidential Communications Office (PCO) ng karagdagang P1.109 billion sa 2026 budget nito para sa ‘rehabilitation at retirement benefits.’
Ang nasabing halaga ay bukod sa P2.8 billion budget allocation ng ahensiya sa ilalim ng 2026 National Expenditure Program.
“The proposed budget is designed to strengthen the government’s communication capacity at a time when clear and consistent, and transparent messaging is critical to sustaining public trust and encouraging active citizen participation,” ayon kay PCO acting Secretary Dave Gomez sa isinagawang Senate finance committee hearing, araw ng Biyernes.
“It is the lowest allocation among all department-level entities of government, yet despite this very modest share, the expectations placed upon the PCO are broad and significant—to inform, to engage and explain the government’s vital communication link between the people,” dagdag na wika ni Gomez.
Sa P1.109 billion proposed amendment, P428 milyon ang gagamitin para pondohan ang retirement benefits ng 167 empleyado ng IBC-13 corporation.
Pagsasaayos at pagpapatibay ng gusali at pansamantalang pag-upa ng opisina para sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) ay paglalaanan ng P360 milyon ng karagdagang budget proposal, habang ang natitirang P320 milyon ay gagamitin naman para sa rehabilitasyon at modernisasyon ng mga pasilidad na ginagamit ng People’s Television Network Inc.
“This stark imbalance between the magnitude of our mandate and the limited resources at our disposal underscores the extraordinary efficiency, innovation, and creativity required of the PCO to carry out its mission effectively. It also highlights how every peso entrusted to us will translate into a stronger connection between government and citizen, anchored on trust, transparency and inclusivity,” aniya pa rin.
Ang panukalang P2.8 billion budget ng PCO ay mapupunta naman sa:
Presidential Communications Office-Proper – P972.020 milyon
PIA Development Communication Program – P527.486 milyon
BBS Public Radio Broadcasting Program – P512.535 milyon
RTVM Presidential Documentation and Broadcast Management Program – P254.215 milyon
NIB Government News Information and Media Services Program – 163.151 milyon
BCS Government Communications Program – P99.548 milyon
NPO National Printing Program – P20.993 milyon
Budgetary Support to Government Corporations (IBC, PTNI, APO Production Unit) – P258,764,000. Kris Jose
