Senate Finance Chair Urges House to Maintain Approved 2027 Budget

MANILA — Senate Finance Committee Chair JV Ejercito on Thursday asked the House of Representatives to refrain from recalling its approved version of the 2027 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), valued at P7.2 trillion.

Ejercito's appeal came after progressive lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc petitioned the House to reverse its approval of the budget measure, signaling potential divisions within the chamber over the spending plan for the coming fiscal year.

The Senate Finance chair expressed concern over the possibility of the House withdrawing its support for the already-approved budget, warning that such a move could delay critical appropriations and disrupt government spending priorities for 2027.

The P7.2-trillion budget proposal represents a significant expenditure framework for the national government, covering allocations across various departments and agencies. The measure had cleared the House following deliberations on its various provisions and priorities.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions between different congressional groups over spending decisions, with the Makabayan bloc citing concerns about the budget's allocation and priorities. The outcome of these negotiations could reshape fiscal planning for the coming year.