THE proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 must be felt in the everyday lives of Filipinos and must translate into stronger economic growth, more jobs, improved public services, and greater opportunities for families across the country, the chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations said on Monday.
As the House of Representatives began its review of the proposed spending program during the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) briefing, House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing stressed that the national budget must go beyond figures on paper and serve as a strategic investment that delivers measurable benefits to citizens and strengthens the Philippine economy.
‘Congress will ensure that the country’s P7.2-trillion budget will not remain only on paper but will be felt in the daily lives of every Filipino family,’ Suansing said.
She emphasized that government spending must create tangible improvements through accessible healthcare, quality education, stronger infrastructure, and expanded employment opportunities that directly contribute to economic development.
‘Filipinos should see its impact through more accessible healthcare, higher-quality education and better classrooms, more employment opportunities, and improved roads that will help farmers transport their products faster and connect them to markets,’ she added.
Suansing said the House supports the economic framework presented by the Development Budget Coordination Committee for the 2027 national budget, anchored on ‘People-Centered Growth for an Inclusive and Resilient Future.’
She said the framework recognizes that sustainable economic growth depends on investments in human capital, public services, infrastructure, and workforce development.
‘We affirm the framework presented by the DBCC in crafting the 2027 National Budget. This means prioritizing investments in quality education, healthcare services, and workforce upskilling,’ Suansing said.
The lawmaker said the impact of the national budget should be measured not only by the amount of government spending but also by its ability to generate economic activity, improve productivity, create jobs, and expand opportunities for Filipino workers and businesses.
She added that every allocation must deliver value to taxpayers by supporting programs that address national priorities and strengthen the country’s long-term economic resilience.
‘Every peso in this budget comes from the hard work and sacrifices of Filipino taxpayers. That is why Congress will conduct thorough deliberations in the coming months to ensure that every peso is directed toward programs that genuinely respond to the needs of our citizens and strengthen the future of our country,’ Suansing said.
Cooperation
Suansing also highlighted the importance of cooperation between Congress and the executive branch in developing a budget that responds to the country’s economic needs and development goals.
She cited the President’s Budget Message, saying the proposed spending plan represents more than a financial program but an investment in the Filipino people and the nation’s future.
‘More than just a financial plan, this budget is a strategic investment in the Filipino people and in the future of our nation. It converts national priorities into concrete actions, ensuring that every public resource strengthens institutions, expands economic opportunities, and improves the quality of life of every Filipino,’ Suansing said.
She said the House will continue examining the proposed appropriations to ensure that government funds support programs that encourage inclusive growth, improve competitiveness, and create better opportunities for communities nationwide.
Suansing said accountability and transparency will remain central to the budget process to protect public resources and maintain taxpayers’ trust.
‘We will establish sufficient safeguards in the budget to ensure that it cannot be abused. Congress will make sure that the 2027 budget is one that the Filipino people can trust,’ she said.
‘These reforms reflect Congress’ commitment to removing secrecy from the budget process and showing where every peso from Filipino taxpayers goes,’ Suansing said.
As the country moves toward another record-level spending plan, Suansing emphasized that the true measure of the budget will be whether it produces stronger economic growth, more opportunities, and improvements that Filipino families can experience in their daily lives.
The proposed budget is 6 percent higher than the P6.793-trillion allocation for 2026 and is equivalent to 21.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
The House has begun its scrutiny of the proposed 2027 national budget through the DBCC briefing, where lawmakers will examine economic assumptions, fiscal targets, and government spending priorities.