SPEAKER DY: HOUSE TO ENSURE EVERY CENTAVO IN 2027 BUDGET DELIVERS FOR FILIPINOS

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Saturday assured taxpayers that the House of Representatives will scrutinize every centavo in the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 to ensure public funds are properly allocated, transparently deliberated, and translated into programs that make a real difference in Filipinos’ lives.

Speaking at a press briefing following the fourth LegisHear public consultation in South Cotabato, Speaker Dy said the national budget is currently the most important measure being tackled by the House because of its direct impact on communities and families across the country.

“Alam niyo marami pong napakahalagang mga isinusulong ang House of Representatives, pero ang pinaka importante sa lahat na isinusulong naming ang atin pong national budget,” Speaker Dy said.

“Ngayon nandun po kami sa process ng budget deliberation and we are making sure na ang bawat sentimo, ang bawat pinagpawisan ng ating mga kababayang Pilipino ay nasa tama ang pagpapa-programa at pag-aallocate ng mga pondong malalagyan nito.”

The Speaker said the proposed budget would have a direct impact not only on Region 12 but on communities throughout the Philippines, making it imperative for lawmakers to carefully examine where taxpayers’ money will go and what results Filipinos can expect from government spending.

The House chief stressed that transparency will remain central to budget deliberations as lawmakers examine the proposed appropriations of departments and government agencies.

“Ang Kongreso ngayon ay pinagsisikapan namin na talagang maging maayos, maging transparent ang bawat pagtatalakay ng bawat budget ng mga iba’t ibang mga departments,” he said.

The Speaker said members of the House have been supportive of the push to ensure that appropriations are justified by their actual benefits to the public, particularly their ability to improve livelihoods and the quality of life of Filipino families.

“I’m very thankful that each member of the House talagang very supportive naman sila. Tinitingnan nilang mabuti na ang bawat pisong inilalaan sa isang proyekto ay dapat merong impact sa kabuhayan at kung maaring makapagbigay o maiangat namin ang kabuhayan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he said.

The House Committee on Appropriations has completed on schedule its agency-level deliberations on the proposed ?7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, with departments and agencies made to account for their proposed expenditures, programs, targets and priorities.

Appropriations Committee Chairperson and Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela “Mika” Suansing formally announced the completion of the hearings Tuesday evening, following a motion by Senior Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand “Dinand” Hernandez to conclude the panel-level deliberations. (RM)