MANILA — Malacañang has pressed Vice President Sara Duterte to provide concrete proof for her claims that the proposed 2027 national budget could be manipulated for political leverage. At the same time, the administration reassured citizens that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will strictly guard public coffers against any form of exploitation.
The Palace’s response followed statements from the Vice President questioning whether the multi-billion-peso spending plan would genuinely benefit citizens or instead turn into a political instrument.
Duterte specifically raised concerns over whether the budget would function as a “bargaining chip to pressure senators who will sit as judges and reward those who vote in favor of her impeachment”.
During a media briefing in Manila on Thursday, October 15, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged the Vice President to put forward tangible proof backing her assertions.
“Madaling magturo, mahirap patunayan,” Castro stated.
Castro pointed out that the General Appropriations Bill is currently undergoing legislative scrutiny in Congress.
She recommended that Duterte participate in the upcoming bicameral conference committee sessions to gain a clearer perspective on how state resources are distributed and utilized.
Furthermore, Castro emphasized that President Marcos and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) remain fully dedicated to keeping public funds free from abuse or irregular allocations.
“Dapat ang pondo, bawat piso ay para sa Pilipino,” she added.
The executive branch’s statements come amid public scrutiny over recent modifications made by the House of Representatives to the expenditure program. These revisions reportedly involve shifts in allocations for healthcare, public infrastructure under the Department of Public Works and Highways, agricultural aid, transport initiatives, and disaster management programs.
President Marcos originally submitted the ₱7.2-trillion national budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 to Congress last August. The House subsequently advanced the measure by passing House Bill No. 10858 on its third and final reading on October 12.
According to the DBM, the draft budget places primary emphasis on education, public health, livelihood generation, community development, and national security.
Castro noted that lawmakers in the Senate who object to alterations made in the lower house’s version are free to voice their positions during the bicameral conference meetings, where both chambers will work to reconcile differences in the budget measure.