House reallocates nearly P200 billion in 2027 budget without full disclosure

MANILA — The House of Representatives made substantial adjustments to the proposed P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget, reallocating approximately P200 billion across various line items, according to a watchdog analysis released Thursday. The assessment found that actual budget modifications exceeded official disclosures by roughly P80 billion, raising questions about transparency in the budget approval process.

The watchdog report identified 123 budget line items that received increases totaling P198.9 billion. This figure represents a significant departure from information released by a select committee of ranking House members, which had presented a narrower picture of the budgetary changes during the legislative process.

The discrepancy underscores ongoing concerns about budget transparency in Congress, where modifications to spending allocations are sometimes made without comprehensive public disclosure. Budget experts have long emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding such shifts, particularly when they affect government spending priorities across multiple departments and agencies.

The House has not immediately responded to the watchdog findings. The 2027 national budget is a key legislative priority, and such reallocations typically reflect efforts by lawmakers to address constituent needs or redirect resources to priority projects in their districts.