The House of Representatives voted 282-13 with one abstention on Monday, October 12, to approve the Marcos administration’s proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 on third and final reading, setting off debates over district spending disparities, transparency, and budget cuts. Lawmakers stamped their approval on House Bill 10858, also known as the 2027 General Appropriations Bill, which allocates funds across the entire government and independent agencies.
Education Cuts Spark Pushback From Advocacy Networks
While the Department of Education received the largest overall allocation at P1.10 trillion, education reform network E-Net Philippines urged Congress to restore specific budget reductions. The group raised alarm over a P3.1-billion reduction in the Basic Education Facilities Fund—lowering its allocation from P30.55 billion to P27.45 billion—and a P3.16-billion cut to the Department of Education’s computerization program, which dropped from P5.79 billion to P2.63 billion.
In a public statement, E-Net warned that the reductions risk deepening inequalities at a time when millions of learners endure overcrowded, inadequate, and unsafe classrooms. The network called on lawmakers to expand funding for the Alternative Learning System, Special Needs and Inclusive Education, Indigenous Peoples Education, Madrasah, and schools located in last mile and geographically isolated areas. During a meeting of the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee, the Special Needs and Inclusive Education program received an additional P75 million, Indigenous Education got P25 million, and Madrasah education gained P50 million, while broader sector amendments added P8.12 billion to education overall.
Did You Know? The lower chamber’s amendments to the 2027 budget bill included an additional P20.86 billion for the agriculture sector and P11.49 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Legislators challenge uneven infrastructure funding and patronage
The budget’s passage followed fierce dissent from several legislators who questioned the fairness of infrastructure allocations and social assistance programs. Party-list Rep. Antonio L. Tinio pointed out a stark funding gap among district engineering offices, noting that the first district engineering office in Ilocos Norte received P4.79 billion—the largest among 198 district offices—compared to just P40 million each allocated for two offices in Davao City. Tinio argued that the allocation gap and 1,078 new Central Office projects worth P112.7 billion perpetuate political patronage, calling on House leaders to publish the complete list of 6,212 new projects worth P180.5 billion before Senate deliberations.
Several other legislators voted against the measure, including Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, who asserted that the spending plan rewards political allies and protects political interests at the expense of ordinary Filipinos. Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila de Lima similarly characterized the spending plan as election-centered rather than people-centered, noting it falls one year before the 2028 national elections. Civil society groups, including the People’s Budget Coalition, also criticized proposed cuts to foreign-assisted projects such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway, warning that reducing funds for signed loan projects could expose the government to additional commitment fees and penalties.
Expert Insight: The intense legislative debate highlights the persistent tension between infrastructure realignments and social service funding during budget cycles. As the measure moves to the Senate, scrutiny over transparency in insertions and the prioritization of disadvantaged sectors will likely shape the final appropriations outcome.
Budget department tightens spending rules before Senate review
With the House approval concluded, the Department of Budget and Management is preparing stricter spending rules to curb wasteful expenditures, particularly concerning year-end parties disguised as official planning sessions in the fourth quarter. Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon stated that agencies will be assessed based on the quality of their spending outputs and outcomes rather than raw utilization rates. Meanwhile, the budget bill is expected to undergo subsequent review and deliberations in the Senate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final voting tally for the P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget in the House?
The House of Representatives approved House Bill 10858 on third and final reading with 282 votes in favor, 13 against, and one abstention.
Which government agency received the largest allocation in the approved 2027 budget bill?
The Department of Education received the largest allocation, set at P1.10 trillion.
What specific funding changes were made to education facilities and computerization programs?
The House reduced the Basic Education Facilities Fund from P30.55 billion to P27.45 billion and cut the Department of Education’s computerization program budget from P5.79 billion to P2.63 billion.
How will the Senate handle the disputed infrastructure insertions and funding realignments ahead of final budget enactment?
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