Poe: Senate hikes President’s budget by P5 billion for PH’s ASEAN hosting

The Senate's version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) has increased the budget for the Office of the President by P5 billion for the preparation of the country's hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026, Senator Grace Poe said.

In a press conference, Poe disclosed that Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin met with them to discuss the government's preparations for hosting the ASEAN Summit.

"Some of the participating countries were a little bit hesitant about having the ASEAN event [in the country that was supposed to be the host]. So they requested na Pilipinas. So napakakonti ng ating time to prepare," Poe said.

"We actually met with Executive Secretary Bersamin at sinabi niya na actually 'yung mga ASEAN na 'yan, they have to prepare a venue for about 400 meetings...not to mention, security... housing, all of these, not just for the main delegates, but even for the staff. So, 2026 yun...we have to prepare by next year. Hindi pwedeng ora-orada yun," she said.

The OP's proposed budget for 2025 was approved in the Senate plenary without any questions. — BM, GMA Integrated News