Over P1 trillion allocation in proposed 2027 budget a ‘red flag’—watchdog

MANILA — A budget watchdog on Monday raised concerns over nearly 7,000 infrastructure projects worth P190 billion, among others, allegedly added by House of Representatives lawmakers to their version of proposed 2027 spending plan, saying many lacked supporting documents and clear justifications.

People’s Budget Coalition co-convenor Kenneth Isaiah Abante said the House had added substantial funding for multipurpose buildings, access roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Marami silang dinagdag. Sa House of Representatives nagdadgdag sila ng P43 billion na mga multipurpose buildings sa DPWH at marami pang ibang access roads at bridges to the basic infrastructure program,” Abante told DZMM.

He also identified increases in social assistance allocations, including P24 billion for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and another P24 billion for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program of the Department of Health. 

Another P10 billion was added for presidential assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, he said. 

The proposed national budget, which the House approved on third and final reading on October 12, amounts to P7.2 trillion. According to Abante, the coalition’s estimate of questionable allocations in the House budget is now more than P1 trillion.

“Bale umakyat po yung tinatawag naming red flag sa House of Representatives budget, ngayon po ay lagpas P1 trilyon na sya.”

He lamented the funding cut for major transport projects, disaster risk reduction, education facilities, and health programs.

“Binawasan nila yung mga foreign-assisted projects, P27 billion sa Laguna Lakeshore Road, halos P20 billion para sa Metro Manila Subway, P15 billion na cut sa North South Commuter Rail, P10 billion na cut sa pension and gratuity. Ito nakakalungkot, grabe, P7.75 billion mula sa National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund,” Abante said.

“Hindi kami agree sa prioritization na ito, sa pag-cut ng House of Representatives para sa mga multipurpose buildings ng mga kongresista, na sa tingin po natin hindi yun yung urgent na kailangan ng ating bayan,” he added.

Abante said the coalition had identified nearly 7,000 projects worth approximately P190 billion added to the DPWH budget, reportedly covering farm-to-market roads, irrigation, health facility improvements and other infrastructure programs.

“Ang problema itong halos 7,000 projects na to ay walang mga attachments, walang justification o dahilan kung bakit sya nilagay at nakakabahala po ito kasi ito yung parehong modus operandi nina [Ex] Speaker Martin Romualdez at [former] congressman Zaldy Co na nagdala sa atin sa flood control scandal,” Abante said.

“Nakakabahala po na parang hindi na sila tinablan ng hiya at hindi na sila natuto,” he added.

Abente said proposed 2027 budget is not yet doomed, and can still be “salvaged” at the Senate. He also identified the bicameral conference committee, which reconciles the House and Senate versions, as another opportunity to address the disputed provisions.

If questionable provisions remain in the final budget, it will call on President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to veto them, Abante said.

“Kaya pa ito sa Senado, kaya pa ito sa bicameral conference committee at yung huling resort po natin is i-demand na i-veto ng Pangulo yung mga kwestyunableng insertions ng House of Representatives,” he said.

“Ang sinasabi namin sa Malacañang, sana manindigan sila [laban] sa pambabastos at pambababoy ng House of Representatives sa budget na ito,” Abante added.