Manila: House of Representatives Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Tuesday committed to a meticulous examination of the proposed PHP7.2 trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for Fiscal Year 2027 to ensure that each peso benefits the Filipino populace directly.
According to Philippines News Agency, as the House officially received the 2027 NEP, Speaker Dy emphasized the importance of focusing on Filipinos throughout the budget planning, aligning with the government's theme of 'People-Centered Growth for an Inclusive and Resilient Future.' Dy highlighted that it is imperative not only to account for spending but to demonstrate the tangible benefits each peso brings to the public.
Dy assured that under the New Congress, there would be an extensive review of every proposal segment, questioning agencies on their financial requests and the concrete outcomes these funds would produce for the community. The evaluation of the budget would revolve around three core questions: the allocation of funds, the changes they can bring, and their impact on ordinary Filipinos.
He articulated that the national budget transcends numerical values and allocations, reflecting the hopes of Filipinos for enhanced services, increased opportunities, and better living standards. The budget aims to address the needs of families seeking affordable food prices, parents requiring improved healthcare, children aspiring for education, farmers needing support, and workers desiring decent jobs and fair opportunities.
Dy further noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), underscored the government's focus on national security and self-reliance while ensuring the provision of services to those who need them the most. The proposed 2027 budget is seen as a pivotal tool for transforming these priorities into action, covering areas from food and energy to education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness.
The Speaker pledged to maintain transparency throughout the congressional budget process, building on reforms introduced last year, like the Budget Amendments and Review Subcommittee and live streaming of bicameral meetings. He stressed the public's right to know the allocation of their money and the House's commitment to making the budget process more open.
Dy echoed the President's call against waste, improper spending, and corruption, advocating for savings to be redirected to essential services like education, healthcare, and agriculture. He reiterated the responsibility to ensure funds have clear objectives, programs offer real benefits, and every decision positively impacts Filipinos' lives.
In the forthcoming weeks, legislators will diligently examine the NEP, engage with government agencies, listen to stakeholders, and keep the public informed, aiming to fulfill the government's promises to the Filipino people.
