The House Committee on Appropriations approved the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 on Monday, September 14, clearing the way for floor deliberations despite pushback from opposition lawmakers.
Committee chairperson and Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mika Suansing noted that the approval was not unanimous, as several panel members voted against the spending bill and intend to raise their concerns during plenary debates.
She added that the committee report passed without modifications since the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARC) has yet to meet.
”Given that the BARC has not convened yet, the committee report which was approved today was approved with no amendments,” Suansing stated.
Suansing explained that all proposed adjustments to the national spending plan will be handled once the subcommittee officially begins its sessions.
”Yung amendment po lahat po yan ay ating ipapasok sa HCAB kapag na-convene na po ang BARC,” she said.
Key areas targeted for additional funding include the Department of Education’s teacher recruitment drive and the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning program.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara and various stakeholders previously highlighted the lack of initial funding for these initiatives during committee hearings.
Additionally, the Department of Agriculture is seeking increased allocations for El Niño mitigation efforts, such as fertilizer subsidies and solar-powered irrigation infrastructure.
Suansing confirmed that the BARC is scheduled to convene later this week or early next week, assuring the public that all subcommittee discussions on realignments will remain fully accessible to citizens.
”Wala pong amendment sa budget na hindi po natin dine-deliberate nang bukas sa publiko,” Suansing emphasized, reiterating that education remains a top priority.
Plenary debates on the 2027 budget proposal—originally submitted by the Department of Budget and Management in August to target education, healthcare, infrastructure, and climate resilience—are set to start on Tuesday, September 15.
The House aims for final passage by October 9.