THE House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, on Tuesday concluded its review of the proposed ₱6.39-billion budget of the Office of the Ombudsman for fiscal year 2026.
Lawmakers are pushing for a higher allocation for the anti-graft agency in anticipation of its crucial role in investigating and prosecuting those who may be held accountable for alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
“Our colleagues here today recognize the very critical role that the Office of the Ombudsman would have in making sure to help the Independent Commission the President wanted to put together to address the flood control alleged anomalies. Essentially, you would play a huge role in making that panel successful. And I know that would entail additional work, additional responsibility on the part of the Office of the Ombudsman,” Suansing said.
She said the matter was not factored in when the agency planned its 2026 budget.
“So we want to make sure to factor that in. May panahon pa naman po na mapasok po natin yan. We would need your help, so please guide us para malaman po natin ano po ung mga kailangang nating idagdag,” she said.
The panel gave the Office of the Ombudsman until this Friday to submit the additional needs to be incorporated in its 2026 budget.
Atty. Jose Balmeo Jr., Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices, said their main problem is their limited office space.
“Our main dilemma is we are cramped at our office. Probably we can purchase a lot or put up another building in Quezon City. My floor is shared with the central records division. This goes for the Visayas, Mindanao and Luzon offices also,” he said.
Balmeo also raised that they have additional staff. As of July 2025, he said their office hired 210 additional lawyers and non-lawyers.
In her opening remarks during the budget hearing, Suansing said the P6.39 billion proposed budget will support key programs of the agency.
“It is imperative that the government strengthen mechanisms for the swift, impartial and transparent investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. These include enhancing capacity of the Office of the Ombudsman, ensuring independence of the Judiciary and anti-graft proceedings in implementing policies that promote accountability and the timely resolution of cases, thereby serving as an effective deterrent against misconduct,” Suansing said.
“By institutionalizing these measures, we can safeguard the integrity of government institutions and ensure that the delivery of essential services to our citizens is not undermined by corruption,” she added.
Suansing expressed hope that the hearing would affirm the shared resolve that the Ombudsman must remain as the nation’s watchdog, mobilizer, official critic and dispenser of justice. “Courageous in action, accountable performance and unwavering in its duty to the Filipino people,” she said.
Acting Ombudsman Dante Vargas led the Office of the Ombudsman in thanking the committee for the opportunity to present their budget proposal.
Assistant Ombudsman Adorie Cornito said the proposed budget is 8.83 percent higher than this year’s budget of P5.782 billion. It will fund the following: General Administration and Support, P4.36 billion; Support for Operations, P112.8 million; Anti-Corruption Investigation Program, P899.7 million; Anti-Corruption Enforcement Program, P752.15 million; Ombudsman Assistance Program, P151.9 million; and Corruption Prevention Program, P105.2 million.
Assistant Majority Leader and Bataan Rep. Antonino Roman III asked how many cases were filed by the Office of the Ombudsman last year. Balmeo said the agency finished 806 case buildup or fact finding reports, while it filed 176 cases.
Committee vice chair and Quezon Rep. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” Tan sponsored the budget.
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