Congress charts path forward on P7.2-trillion 2027 budget after court ruling

MANILA — The Philippine Senate convened Thursday to solicit recommendations from the Department of Budget and Management on adjusting the proposed P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down significant provisions of prior appropriations laws.

The high court's decision has created uncertainty about the viability of certain budgetary measures, prompting lawmakers to carefully review how the spending bill should be modified to comply with the constitutional ruling. Budget officials were called upon to provide technical guidance on feasible adjustments to the massive fiscal package.

Meanwhile, tension surfaced in the House of Representatives over procedural matters related to its previously approved version of the budget. Lawmakers engaged in debate regarding whether the chamber should recall its earlier passage to account for the Supreme Court's decision, indicating disagreement over the appropriate legislative response to the court's action.

The divergence between the two chambers underscores the complexity of recalibrating a budget of such magnitude while ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements. With the 2027 fiscal year approaching, Congress faces pressure to resolve the dispute and move toward a final budget measure that both chambers can support.