Senate Approves ₱7.23 Billion Proposed 2027 Budget for Ombudsman
OMBUDSMAN – The Office of the Ombudsman is set to receive a proposed ₱7.232 billion budget for 2027 after gaining approval from a Senate finance subcommittee.
The Senate finance subcommittee has approved the proposed ₱7.232 billion budget of the Office of the Ombudsman for 2027, supporting the agency’s efforts to intensify investigations into major corruption cases in the country.
The proposed funding was discussed during the Senate’s budget deliberations on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla highlighted the agency’s increased focus on pursuing controversial investigations and obtaining information necessary to strengthen its cases.
“I think we’re more aggressive in pursuing investigations and purchasing information and other things needed that require confidential funds to be utilized,” said the Ombudsman.
Following the discussion, senators also backed the Ombudsman’s request for ₱51.468 million in confidential funds, which the agency said would support its investigative operations.
Senate President Win Gatchalian expressed support for the allocation, arguing that the amount is relatively small compared with the scale and seriousness of the corruption cases being handled by the Ombudsman.
“I do agree that ₱54-million is miniscule compared to the gravity of the corruption cases we are embroiled in. And the Ombudsman is tasked to resolve all of those corruption issues,” said the Senate President.
The Ombudsman is currently handling a number of cases connected to alleged irregularities involving flood control projects. According to a Manila Bulletin report, the agency has already brought 35 cases before various courts in relation to the controversial projects.
Another 166 cases are undergoing preliminary investigation, while the Ombudsman is also conducting 107 lifestyle checks involving individuals linked to the flood control project issue. These investigations are intended to determine whether there are indications of unexplained wealth or other irregularities among those involved.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the recommended ₱7.232 billion allocation for the Ombudsman is divided among several major spending categories.
Around ₱3.76 billion is intended for personnel services, covering salaries and other employee-related expenses. Meanwhile, ₱2.44 billion is allocated for maintenance and operating expenses, while another ₱857 million is designated for capital outlays.
The approved recommendation represents a significant reduction from the Ombudsman’s original proposed budget of ₱12.7 billion. The DBM cut approximately ₱5.5 billion from the initial request before arriving at the ₱7.232 billion recommendation.
With the Senate subcommittee’s approval, the proposed 2027 budget will continue through the succeeding stages of the national budget process. The funding is expected to support the Ombudsman’s continuing investigations and efforts to address corruption cases, particularly those involving major government projects.
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