The Office of Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco will operate with a significantly larger budget in 2026, reflecting a major reshuffling of provincial funds under the newly approved P11.9-billion annual budget.
The Vice Governor’s Office (VGO) is set to receive P440.96 million this year, up from P107.7 million in 2025—an increase of P333.25 million, or more than 300 percent, according to the Summary of Appropriation by Department/Office under the General Fund.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces explained that the jump in funding stems from the realignment of resources previously under the Governor’s Office, now officially lodged with the VGO.
“These are funds that were supposed to be managed by the Vice Governor’s Office, covering operational and legislative priorities,” Empaces said.
The expanded allocation will support daily operations in the VGO and legislative initiatives tied to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
Empaces emphasized that the fund transfer complies with Commission on Audit rules, allowing the Vice Governor’s Office to hold its own budget as long as expenditures meet legal accounting standards.
Even before the formal approval of the 2026 budget, Governor Pamela Baricuatro had authorized the release of funds to ensure uninterrupted operations in the VGO.
Part of the new budget is earmarked for establishing satellite offices for provincial board members, a proposal previously submitted by Soco.
Empaces clarified that individual board members cannot receive separate budgets, which is why the funding is channeled through the Vice Governor’s Office.
Priority project allocations within the VGO have also doubled, from an average of P30 million in prior years to around P60 million for 2026.
On the legislative side, the number of job order personnel supporting each board member has increased from four to eight, reflecting the growing workload and expanded functions of the provincial legislature.
Empaces described the increase in staffing and resources as a demonstration of Governor Baricuatro’s confidence in the legislative branch and highlighted that mechanisms are in place to ensure proper utilization and accounting of funds.
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s own budget rose from P198.29 million in 2025 to P280.16 million this year, covering sessions, hearings, site inspections, and other legislative activities. (SBA)
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