Acting Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez assured the public that the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) will spend their approved budget properly to efficiently communicate the government’s services and initiatives to the public.

Chavez said this after the House of Representatives (HOR) approved the PCO’s proposed P2.281-billion budget for 2025, a figure which is 24.37 percent lower than its allocation worth P3.016 billion this year.

In a statement on Friday, Sept. 20, Chavez, who assumed office this month, thanked the HOR for their expeditious approval of their proposed budget for next year.

“The fact that our budget breezed through plenary without a single question asked and no opposition manifested spurs us more to deliver on the outcomes we have promised in that budget,” he said.

“This is a vote of confidence in our mission and organization, which we shall work to redeem in full,” he added.

With the approval of the budget, the veteran journalist said the PCO will be able to fulfill its functions effectively.

“We appreciate the House’s full support for our new programs, the driving mandate of which is the truthful and timely communication of government services and initiatives to the public and all issues that affect them,” Chavez said.

“We pledge to spend every peso efficiently, according to plans and programs, and fully compliant with laws,” he added.

Under its proposed budget in the National Expenditure Program, the PCO proper is requesting P713.316 million; P492.389 million for the Bureau of Broadcast Services (BBS); P256.561 million for Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM); P439.639 million for the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); P146.897 million for the News and Information Bureau (NIB); P21.989 million for the National Printing Office (NPO); P79.889 million for the Bureau of Communications Services (BCS); P492.389 million for the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS); and subsidy for the People's Television Network (PTV-4) worth P215.257 million.

Chavez earlier said the proposed budget would be used to communicate to the public Bagong Pilipinas-related activities, media coverage of presidential engagements, and communication campaigns for the Executive Branch.