House approves amended 2027 national budget bill on second reading

MANILA — The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading House Bill No. 10858, or the proposed 2027 General Appropriations Act, after accepting several amendments to funding for social programs, public works, healthcare, and public transportation. 

The chamber approved the measure via viva voce voting after lawmakers closed the period for individual amendments at around 8:10 p.m.

Among the amendments accepted were an additional ₱13.8 million for Project SAFE, ₱25 million for Project Aruga, and ₱25 million for the ProtecTEEN program, all of which are under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The lawmakers also approved a ₱20-million funding increase for the DSWD Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs.

Lawmakers also proposed increasing the monthly honorarium of designated Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk officers by ₱500.

Under the proposed provision, the increase would apply to VAW Desk officers who have rendered at least six months of continuous service, regardless of the number of hours they work or the population of the barangay.

The additional amount would be charged against the barangay’s Gender and Development (GAD) budget, rather than its regular personal services appropriations.

The said proposal has an estimated cost of around ₱20 billion. 

The chamber also approved an amendment by Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice that increases the DPWH budget by ₱68 million for Organizational Outcome 2 and ₱66 million for the Basic Infrastructure Program.

The committee accepted the proposal, which was subsequently approved by the House without objection.

The House also approved an amendment by Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia expanding the allowable uses of the Department of Health’s Medical Assistance Program (MAP).

Under the amendment, MAP funds may be used for hospitalization and medical assistance, including inpatient and outpatient services, comprehensive checkups, emergency and dental services, FDA-approved drugs and medicines, and 100% of professional fees, subject to DOH guidelines. 

Administrative expenses would be limited to 1% of the appropriated amount.

The sponsor said the amendment would make medical assistance more accessible to Filipinos.

Rep. Garcia also proposed amendments to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget.

One amendment earmarked ₱250 million for battery-electric, environment-friendly passenger vessels and related facilities.

A separate amendment allocated ₱250 million for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and another ₱250 million for capital outlay under the public transportation service contracting program.

House Bill No. 10858 is now set to proceed to the next stage, which is the third reading of the budget in the coming days.