Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito raised concerns over the House of Representatives’ reported ₱206-billion realignment in the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, citing cuts to infrastructure and preventive healthcare programs.
He flagged a ₱130-billion reduction in foreign-assisted projects, including major infrastructure initiatives, and a ₱9.5-billion cut to the Calamity Fund amid the threat of a strong El Niño.
The proposed budget also reduced funding for hospital improvements, immunization, and health promotion while increasing allocations for medical assistance to indigent patients by ₱23.9 billion.
Ejercito also noted changes in flood control funding and said the Senate would scrutinize allocations, require Regional Development Council approvals, and reject lump-sum flood control funds.
The Senate finance committee aims to sponsor its report on Nov. 11, begin plenary debates on Nov. 23, and target the signing of the 2027 national budget by the second week of December.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 15, 2026
