Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday announced the proposed PHP7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, crafted to advance the administration's goal of achieving sustainable and national development. In his message to the 20th Congress on the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, Marcos described the proposed budget as a 'prudent and forward-looking investment' aimed at sustaining the country's economic growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized that the 2027 spending plan is designed to strengthen the country's capacity to respond to global challenges while pursuing resilient growth. He highlighted ongoing global uncertainties, such as geopolitical tensions, persistent inflationary pressures, and volatile energy prices, reaffirming the administration's commitment to growth that is both resilient and fiscally responsible.
The proposed budget aims to bolster investments in strategic infrastructure, human capital, food and energy security, and social protection, while reinforcing transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources. Marcos noted that the final budget proposal is lower than the original PHP11.69 trillion in funding proposals submitted by government agencies.
The President outlined that the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) includes programs and projects designed to deliver significant impacts for the people and advance national development priorities. He directed all government agencies to focus on measurable outcomes, align proposals with the development agenda, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensure every peso produces meaningful and lasting value.
Marcos stated that the proposed budget is anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the country's long-term vision under Ambisyon Natin 2040. The expenditure program aims to implement 'transformative reforms' that will shape the country's long-term development trajectory. It seeks to modernize public institutions, improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, attract investments, create quality jobs, and enhance the government's ability to deliver faster, more responsive, and citizen-centered public services.
The President stressed that the proposed budget is intended to improve the lives of Filipinos, including families, workers, farmers and fisherfolk, students, and communities. As the country continues its journey toward a "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines), the 2027 spending plan reaffirms the administration's commitment to inclusive growth, sound fiscal management, good governance, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Above all, this budget reflects the shared aspirations of the Filipino nation, recognizing that genuine progress is measured not only through stronger economic indicators but through the lives it improves.
