Lawmaker calls for House to revisit 2027 budget over constitutional concerns

ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio warned lawmakers on Sunday that the House risks repeating past budgeting mistakes unless it proactively addresses problematic provisions in the 7.2-trillion-peso spending proposal for 2027.

Tinio emphasized that the chamber should correct its version of the budget independently rather than deferring the matter to the Senate or the bicameral conference committee tasked with reconciling differing versions.

"It is essential that the House take responsibility for ensuring the budget complies with constitutional requirements," Tinio said, pointing to language in the current proposal that mirrors clauses previously invalidated by the high court.

The legislative issue underscores ongoing tensions between maintaining budgetary authority and adhering to constitutional safeguards. The Supreme Court has previously struck down budget provisions on various grounds, prompting calls for greater legislative scrutiny during the drafting process.

The House's 2027 budget proposal, representing the largest spending measure in Philippine history, is expected to move through the legislative process in coming weeks as lawmakers prepare for the final year of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s current term.