Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday responded to critics of the proposed PHP7.2-trillion 2027 national budget, advising lawmakers to thoroughly review the spending plan before labeling it as either 'all ayuda' (cash aid) or 'anti-poor.'

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed the criticisms from lawmakers who had differing opinions on the proposed budget. Castro referenced remarks by Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice, who reportedly criticized the budget for focusing too much on aid and neglecting infrastructure, and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio, who argued that the budget was anti-poor due to reductions in social services and increased allocations for infrastructure and defense.

Castro questioned the truthfulness of the lawmakers' claims, suggesting that they should first reconcile their conflicting views. She defended the proposed budget by emphasizing its priorities, which include education, infrastructure, disaster resilience, and social protection. Castro urged critics to educate themselves on the comprehensive nature of the budget before making judgments.

Castro highlighted programs such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Walang Gutom Program, the government's subsidized rice initiative, the Local Government Support Fund, and financial assistance during disasters as examples of initiatives aiding poor and vulnerable Filipinos.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently submitted the proposed FY 2027 National Expenditure Program to Congress, featuring a total budget of PHP7.2 trillion, marking a 6 percent increase from the 2026 budget. Social Services received the largest sectoral allocation at PHP2.456 trillion, with Economic Services allocated PHP1.833 trillion. The consolidated health sector budget was PHP1.06 trillion, and infrastructure spending under the Build Better More program was proposed at PHP1.467 trillion. Education remained the largest allocation among government departments, with the Department of Education receiving PHP976 billion.

Castro challenged critics to examine the budget in its entirety rather than focusing solely on individual increases or reductions in specific areas.