Manila, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on its third and final reading the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for next year.
During Monday’s plenary session, 282 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill No. 10858.
According to House Speaker Bojie Dy III, the approved budget reflects the government’s commitment to providing support for programs and projects aimed at improving the life of every Filipino.
He assured that the deliberations were transparent, so that every peso of the P7.2-trillion allocation will be properly utilized.
Among the amendments introduced by the Lower House was an additional P10.06 billion for education programs, as the priority sector under the 2027 national budget.
Dy explained that the amendment aims to support school safety, inclusive learning, academic recovery, and access to quality tertiary education.
In the health sector, the House also added P27.36 billion, the majority of which will be allocated to the Medical Assistance Program to sustain the implementation of the zero-balance billing policy in hospitals.
Dy acknowledged the financial burden ordinary and low-income Filipino families face when a family member falls sick.
He expressed hope that the House amendments would help address the medical needs of Filipinos.
Another consideration in the Lower House’s budget amendments was the country’s need to prepare for the severe impact of the looming Super El Niño.
The House of Representatives also increased the allocation for the transportation sector, which is among those most affected by rising petroleum prices.
The House added P500 million for the Service Contracting Program and another P1 billion for the fuel subsidy program to ensure continued support for transport service providers.
These are on top of additional funding for the NCR Busway Project and airports.
Following the budget’s approval, Dy urged the public to actively participate in monitoring and ensuring that every peso is spent on the programs and services for which it was allocated.
LAWMAKERS CRITICIZED LACK OF FUNDING FOR ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICES
Meanwhile, 13 congressmen voted against the approval of the proposed budget, while one abstained.
In explanation of his vote, Akbayan Party-list Representative Percy Cendaña criticized the government’s lack of consideration for the actual needs of various sectors of society.
He stressed that lawmakers should not settle in giving allocations that are barely the minimum.
Kabataan Party-list Representative Atty. Renee Co also voted against the 2027 budget, criticizing the reduction in government funding and support for the education sector.
She said it was unacceptable that calls for additional funding for schools had not been granted, despite the administration’s claim that education is a priority.
Co also criticized the increase in pork barrel allocations under the proposed budget, as well as funds she described as vulnerable to corruption and fascism.
Meanwhile, ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio described the proposed 2027 budget as a “pork barrel budget.”
He also renewed his criticism of the budget cuts affecting various sectors for the