MANILA, Philippines — The Senate Committee on Finance has approved a proposed P7.232-billion budget for the Office of the Ombudsman for 2027, including funding for a new marshal service and ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, who chairs the committee, announced the approval Thursday.
The Ombudsman initially requested P12.797 billion from the Department of Budget and Management. Among its additional requests was P168 million to establish the Ombudsman Marshal Service, which would create 100 positions to serve cyber warrants, secure evidence, enforce orders and protect investigators.
Ejercito said the committee intends to support the proposed marshal service, citing its potential role in helping the Ombudsman carry out its investigative and enforcement functions.
During the budget hearing, the Ombudsman also reported that it had filed 35 cases involving alleged irregularities in flood control projects before the Sandiganbayan and regional trial courts.
Another 166 cases remain under preliminary investigation, while the Ombudsman is conducting 107 lifestyle checks.
Ejercito said the investigations should proceed and that officials found responsible for wrongdoing should face accountability.
The Ombudsman also requested P148 million in additional confidential funds, compared with the P51.47 million recommended by the DBM.
Ejercito said the committee had not committed to restoring the full amount but could consider increasing the recommended allocation after reviewing programs and investigations that could be affected.
He stressed that confidential funds remain subject to accountability requirements and should support legitimate investigative activities.
Ejercito said the Senate’s policy limits confidential funds to law enforcement, national security and investigative agencies.
The committee will also review the Ombudsman’s proposal for a new building. Ejercito said officials would consider whether acquiring an existing property would cost less than constructing a new facility.
The Ombudsman has explored acquiring properties vacated after the closure of some Philippine offshore gaming operator facilities.
Ejercito said any acquisition would still have to undergo the required legal and budgetary processes.
The committee’s approval sends the proposed Ombudsman budget to the Senate plenary for further deliberations.
