Gatchalian pushes for growth-focused ₱7.2-T national budget for 2027

MANILA – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday emphasized that the proposed 2027 national budget must focus on driving economic growth and strengthening the country’s resilience against domestic and global challenges.

In a news release, Gatchalian stated that next year’s budget must drive economic activity to counter global financial pressures, such as ongoing high oil prices and the looming threat of a severe El Niño.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has proposed a PHP7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, up 6 percent from this year’s P6.793 trillion.

The proposed spending plan is equivalent to 21.7 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

“Our national budget for next year should help stimulate economic activities to counteract global and domestic challenges, including the need to manage ballooning debt,” Gatchalian, who spearheaded the legislation of this year’s national budget, said.

READ: Gov’t proposes P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027

2027 national budget deliberations

The Senate is expected to begin deliberations on the proposed budget in the coming months. Gatchalian acknowledged that the chamber faces a demanding schedule as it also prepares for the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.

Despite the added workload, he assured the public that the Senate would adjust its schedule to ensure the timely review of the proposed spending measure.

Gatchalian said the Senate would thoroughly scrutinize the proposed budget to ensure prudent use of public funds.

READ: Marcos puts 70-meter Mananga dam in 2027 national budget

“Bukod sa pagbibigay-prayoridad sa mga programang magpapataas ng kalidad ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan tulad ng imprastraktura, edukasyon at kalusugan, kailangan din nating tiyakin na ang national budget sa susunod na taon ay hindi maaabuso at magagamit lamang para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan (Aside from prioritizing programs that will improve the quality of life of our countrymen like infrastructure, education and health, we also need to ensure that our national budget for next year will not be misused and used only for the benefit of our fellow Filipinos),” he said. (PNA)

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.