MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives moved closer to passing the proposed ₱7.2-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2027 after concluding plenary debates on the budget requests of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on Friday, September 18.
Lawmakers terminated the sponsorship and debate period for the DMW’s proposed ₱10.68-billion allocation, which encompasses the main department alongside attached units such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted by the executive branch, ₱7.726 billion is earmarked directly for the DMW, while OWWA is set to receive ₱4.349 billion.
Defending the budget, Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Representative Irene Labadlabad, vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, highlighted the department’s crucial role in safeguarding over 2.2 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) global network.
“They serve as tahanan for OFWs whose remittances reached a record US$35.63 billion in 2025, accounting for 8 percent of the nation’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product),” Labadlabad said.
During the interpellation, Philreca Party-list Representative Presley de Jesus raised concerns over a ₱300-million cut to the Emergency Repatriation Fund (ERF), which was allocated ₱900 million compared to its previous ₱1.2-billion budget.
Labadlabad acknowledged that OWWA had formally requested supplementary funding for the ERF to sustain assistance for distressed overseas workers facing crises or conflict zones.
The DMW’s budget also finances the Action Fund for legal and medical aid, the OFW Hospital, reintegration programs, anti-trafficking measures, and maritime skill development initiatives.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan were present during the proceedings.
Following the DMW, the plenary closed discussions on the NCIP’s proposed ₱1.831-billion funding aimed at preserving ancestral domains and supporting Indigenous Cultural Communities.
Responding to Akbayan Party-list Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula’s inquiries regarding regional strengthening and investments in native lands, NCIP sponsor and Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes affirmed that the budget would bolster community service centers and regional branches.
The ongoing budget marathon aligns with House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III’s commitment to meticulously audit government spending and prioritize public funds toward meaningful programs.