Philippines 2027 Budget Faces Criticism Over Rising Deficit Spending

MANILA — Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio has sounded the alarm over the Philippines' planned 2027 budget, cautioning that almost one-quarter of government spending would be financed through debt rather than revenue.

The ACT Teachers representative highlighted that debt-funded expenditures are projected to reach P1.69 trillion, representing 24 percent of the total 2027 budget. This marks a significant increase from the 13 percent level recorded in 2016, underscoring what Tinio characterized as a troubling shift in fiscal policy over the past decade.

Tinio's concerns reflect growing unease among lawmakers regarding the government's reliance on borrowing to sustain spending programs. The widening gap between revenue and expenditures has prompted questions about the long-term sustainability of the fiscal path being charted by the administration.

The 2027 budget debate comes as the Philippines grapples with mounting debt obligations and competing demands for public resources across infrastructure, education, and social services. Policymakers face mounting pressure to balance immediate spending needs with long-term fiscal responsibility.