DepEd 2027 budget cut attributed to infrastructure defunding scandal

MANILA — Education Secretary Sonny Angara clarified that the Department of Education's reduced budget proposal for 2027 stems from the defunding of infrastructure projects linked to a recent flood control scandal.

Angara made the statement before the House of Representatives' committee on education, noting that the apparent year-on-year decrease does not reflect a reduction in core educational spending, but rather the removal of infrastructure-related allocations that had been included in the 2026 budget.

The flood control scandal prompted the government to reassess and reallocate funds previously designated for various infrastructure initiatives, including those under the education sector. This move resulted in a lower overall budget figure for DepEd in the 2027 proposal when compared to actual 2026 expenditures.

Angara's clarification was aimed at dispelling concerns that the education sector was facing across-the-board budget constraints. The secretary underscored that the core operations and programs of DepEd would continue to receive adequate funding to support the country's education system.

The reallocation of infrastructure funds reflects the government's prioritization of resolving issues related to the flood control scandal and ensuring more stringent oversight of capital expenditure projects.