Manila: Bridges and other vital infrastructure damaged by the southwest monsoon may be prioritized in the proposed PHP7.2-trillion 2027 national budget as the Senate weighs how to allocate limited government resources. Senate Committee on Finance chairperson JV Ejercito on Tuesday said he would ask the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit estimates of infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the recent rains.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ejercito emphasized the need for agency estimates to allocate funds effectively. 'We would like to ask for agency estimates of the infrastructure damage that has been done by itong mga habagat, itong mga monsoon rains the past months para po malagyan na po natin ng pondo (the southwest monsoon and monsoon rains in the past months so we can provide funding for them),' Ejercito expressed during a press conference.
Ejercito highlighted reports of two major bridges damaged in Tarlac and the broader impact of recent adverse weather conditions in Central Luzon. He stated that restoring infrastructure crucial to economic activity should take precedence if additional spending becomes necessary. 'Kung kinakailangan din nating gumastos, unahin na po natin itong mga (If we need to spend, let us prioritize the) infrastructure that are vital in the economic activity of every province or LGU,' he added.
The finance committee faces the challenge of finding money for rehabilitation within an already tight fiscal space. Ejercito noted that additional funding for critical infrastructure could mean reducing allocations elsewhere as the Senate scrutinizes the proposed spending plan. 'Kailangan natin magbawas sa iba, kaya nga isuscrutinize natin kung ano 'yung mga pwedeng pagkunan at kung saan natin pwedeng dalhin, lalong-lalo itong mga importante, itong mga vital infrastructure (We need to cut from other areas, so we will scrutinize where we can source the funds and where we can redirect them, especially for important, vital infrastructure),' he emphasized.
Ejercito described the 2027 budget process as particularly challenging due to the government's limited fiscal space and existing debts and obligations. He mentioned that Congress must ensure 'every peso counts' as it decides which programs and projects should receive funding.
