House ends plenary debates on 2027 budget

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has concluded its debates on the proposed P7.2 trillion national budget for2027, likely clearing the way for its passage on second reading early next month.

Administration and opposition lawmakers scrutinized the details of the budgets of 240 departments, agencies and government-owned-and-controlled corporations, including 113 state universities and colleges, from Sept. 15 to 25.

Rep. Mikaela Suansing, chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, assured her colleagues and the public that House Bill 10858 or the 2027 General Appropriations Act carries enough safeguards to ensure the rules and standards governing the use and evaluation of funds would be religiously followed.

The Nueva Ecija congresswoman also underscored the importance of establishing clear reportorial requirements and continuing coordination with the Department of Budget and Management, including on the Local Government Support Fund.

She also reassured the general public the GAA is disaster-ready. “The 2027 budget is El Niño ready. We will do our best; I give you my assurance,” Suansing said, citing projections by experts of severe drought from October this year to the first quarter of 2027.

The Department of Budget and Management has placed the proposed 2027 unprogrammed appropriations at P111.984 billion, equivalent to about 1.6 percent of the Total Expenditure Program — the lowest proposed share since 1991 and the lowest proposed amount at the NEP or national expenditure program level since 2019.

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, in his “turno en contra” speech, thanked the majority coalition for their patience and understanding.

“There is nothing wrong with spending discipline. Government should eliminate waste, duplication, and projects that cannot be implemented. But restraint should protect essential investments in people and productive capacity,” Libanan of the 4Ps party-list pointed out.

“We recognize the reduction in Unprogrammed Appropriations. We recognize the need for fiscal discipline. We recognize the programs and infrastructure investments that can contribute to growth. And we appreciate the Majority’s willingness to subject this budget to sustained scrutiny,” he said. — Daphne Galvez