Budget row erupts over COA's zero capital outlay allocation for 2027

MANILA — A budget controversy has drawn congressional attention after the Department of Budget and Management allocated zero funding for the Commission on Audit's capital outlay projects in the 2027 National Expenditure Program.

House Committee on Appropriations Chair Mikaela Angela Suansing of Nueva Ecija described the situation as "interesting" upon learning that none of the COA's proposed infrastructure and capital investment requests received approval from the DBM. The development has raised questions about the budgeting process and the COA's operational capacity planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

The zero allocation represents a significant departure from typical budget cycles, where government agencies typically receive some funding for capital projects and equipment purchases. The COA, as the country's independent audit body, requires resources for office equipment, technology systems, and other capital investments to carry out its constitutional mandate.

Solons are now examining the budget deliberations to understand the rationale behind the complete denial of the audit commission's capital requests. The issue is expected to be taken up during the budget hearing and approval process in Congress, where legislators will have the opportunity to question DBM officials and potentially restore funding for the COA's capital projects.