‘House realigned P206 billion in 2027 national budget’
Philippine Senator JV Ejercito has criticized the House of Representatives for realigning P206 billion in the 2027 national budget. The changes include significant cuts to foreign-assisted infrastructure projects and preventive health programs in favor of discretionary social assistance.
Why it matters
The budget realignment sparks debate over long-term national development versus short-term political patronage and fiscal responsibility.
MANILA, Philippines - Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito has raised concerns over the House of Representatives' realignments in the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027.
Ejercito noted that an estimated P206 billion was altered from the executive branch's original spending plan and slashed funds for big-ticket infrastructure and preventive health care.
Ejercito expressed concern over the P130-billion reduction for foreign-assisted projects (FAP), which are funded through loan agreements with partners such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The allocation for FAPs is supposed to pay off the multibillion-peso loans from JICA and ADB that were used for big-ticket infrastructure projects including the Metro Manila Subway.
"There was noticeable slashing of funds for major programs, especially foreign-assisted programs," Ejercito said.
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