(DC file photo)
The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed Php 7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, with increased funding for education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and preparations for the possible effects of El Niño.
House Bill No. 10858, which covers government expenditures from January 1 to December 31, 2027, secured final approval on Monday, October 12.
House Speaker Faustino Dy III said the chamber fulfilled its commitment to ensure that public funds are allocated responsibly and directed toward programs that directly benefit Filipinos.
Dy emphasized that the proposed spending plan underwent scrutiny to prioritize essential services and address the country’s pressing needs.
Among the House amendments was an additional Php 10.06 billion for education programs, including school safety, inclusive learning, academic recovery, and access to higher education.
The additional funding includes Php 2.1 billion for the Tertiary Education Subsidy, Php 1.93 billion for the Basic Education Voucher Program, and Php 1.77 billion for the Tulong Dunong Program.
For healthcare, lawmakers allocated Php 23.97 billion to the Medical Assistance Program to support the implementation of zero-balance billing in government hospitals.
The House also increased funding for agricultural programs to help farmers and fisherfolk prepare for the potential impact of a severe El Niño.
These allocations include an additional Php 10 billion for Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk, Php 500 million for fertilizer assistance, Php 4.09 billion for irrigation projects, and Php 4.96 billion for farm-to-market roads.
Other agricultural allocations include Php 150 million for transport infrastructure, Php 100 million for high-value crops, and Php 331 million for climate-resilient farm productivity initiatives.
In the transportation sector, the House approved an additional Php 500 million for the Service Contracting Program and Php 1 billion for fuel subsidies benefiting public utility vehicle drivers, tricycle operators, delivery riders, and other transport service providers.
Dy said the additional funding reflects the chamber’s efforts to strengthen public services while preparing vulnerable sectors for possible economic and environmental challenges.
Following the budget’s approval, the Speaker urged the public to actively monitor how government agencies implement the programs funded under the spending measure.
He stressed that taxpayers have the right to know where public funds are allocated, why the expenditures are necessary, and what results the government intends to deliver.
The proposed 2027 national budget will proceed through the remaining legislative process before it can be enacted into law.
