Labor group says 2027 budget neglects workers' welfare needs

MANILA — Labor group Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) has expressed concern over the passage of the government's proposed P7.2-trillion budget for fiscal year 2027, saying the spending plan falls short of delivering meaningful support to the country's workforce.

While acknowledging that some lawmakers voted against the budget proposal, Sentro argued that those who opposed the measure were justified in doing so. The group contends that the budget framework does not allocate sufficient resources to adequately meet the requirements of workers and their dependents during an increasingly challenging economic environment.

The House of Representatives approved the proposed budget despite the objections raised by labor advocates and opposition lawmakers. Sentro's position reflects broader concerns from civil society organizations about the government's spending priorities and whether adequate provisions have been made for worker welfare programs, wage support, and family assistance initiatives.

The labor group's assessment underscores ongoing tensions between government fiscal planning and the demands of organized labor, as workers continue to grapple with rising living costs and employment uncertainties across the Philippines.