House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III has assured the public that the House of Representatives will thoroughly scrutinize the proposed 2027 national budget to ensure government spending directly benefits Filipinos. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) formally submitted the P7.2 trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the House, marking a 6 percent increase from the P6.793 trillion budget for 2026.
Dy stated that lawmakers would keep citizens at the center of the budget process under the theme of “People-Centered Growth for an Inclusive and Resilient Future.”
“Hindi sapat na sabihin kung magkano ang ginagastos. Dapat maipakita kung ano ang nagagawa ng bawat piso. Ang bawat piso ay dapat may katumbas na ginhawa para sa bawat Pilipino,” Dy said during the NEP turnover ceremony.
The Speaker emphasized that the national budget extends beyond numbers, representing families, students, farmers and workers relying on public services.
“Sapagkat ang budget na ito ay para sa pamilyang umaasang magiging mas abot-kaya ang presyo ng pagkain; sa magulang na nangangailangan ng maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan; sa batang nangangarap makapagtapos; sa magsasakang nangangailangan ng suporta; at sa manggagawang naghahangad ng disenteng trabaho at mas patas na pagkakataon,” he said.
Aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives, the budget will prioritize food and energy security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness. Dy stressed that the House holds the responsibility of ensuring these priorities shape the final General Appropriations Bill.
Demonstrating a commitment to transparency, Dy noted that the chamber will build upon reforms introduced last year.
“Last year, we began implementing reforms such as the Budget Amendments and Review Subcommittee or BARSC and introduced the live-streaming of our bicameral meetings,” he said, adding, “Ang budget ay pera ng taumbayan. May karapatan silang malaman kung saan ito mapupunta.”
Dy also echoed the President’s call against waste and corruption, asserting that every saved peso will be redirected toward essential services like classrooms and hospitals.
“Iyan ang ating pananagutan: tiyaking ang pondo ay may malinaw na layunin, ang mga programa ay may tunay na pakinabang at ang bawat desisyon ay may positibong epekto sa buhay ng mga Pilipino,” he noted.
In the coming weeks, lawmakers will question agencies, consult stakeholders and keep the public updated.
“Sa mga susunod na linggo, magiging masusi ang ating trabaho. Magtatanong tayo. Makikinig tayo. At sisiguraduhin nating malinaw sa publiko ang bawat hakbang ng prosesong ito,” Dy said.
Concluding his message, Dy reiterated the ultimate objective of the 2027 appropriations: translating government promises into tangible improvements for the nation.
“Para sa Bagong Kongreso, iyan ang layunin ng 2027 budget, isalin ang mga pangako sa programa, ang mga programa na may konkretong epekto at ang bawat pisong ginagastos sa tunay na pagbabago sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he concluded.