Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon formally hands over to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program, which prioritizes education, healthcare, livelihood, national security, and community empowerment in line with the administration’s theme of “people-centered growth for an inclusive and resilient future.”
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
MANILA — The Marcos administration is proposing a P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, 6% higher than this year’s spending program, with education, healthcare, livelihood, national security and community development among the government’s major funding priorities.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Budget Secretary Kim de Leon, formally presented the proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP) to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday as the administration prepares to submit its spending blueprint to Congress.
At P7.2 trillion, the proposed budget is equivalent to about 21.7% of the country’s gross domestic product and is P407 billion higher than the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the spending program carries the theme “People-Centered Growth for an Inclusive and Resilient Future,” reflecting the administration’s emphasis on basic services and economic opportunities.
“Nakatuon ang budget sa edukasyon, kalusugan, kabuhayan, seguridad, at pagpapalakas ng mga komunidad,” Castro said.
Malacañang said the proposed budget seeks to ensure that government resources translate into better public services while creating more opportunities for Filipinos.
“Layunin nitong gawing mas kapakipakinabang ang bawat pisong pangpublikong pondo sa pamamagitan ng mas mahusay na serbisyo at mas maraming oportunidad para sa mga Pilipino,” Castro said.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), which sets the government’s macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal targets, had earlier approved the P7.2-trillion expenditure ceiling for 2027.
The turnover of the NEP to Marcos clears the way for its submission to Congress, where lawmakers will scrutinize the proposed allocations before approving the General Appropriations Bill.
Under the Constitution, the President is required to submit the proposed national budget to Congress within 30 days from the opening of its regular session.
Once enacted, the P7.2-trillion spending plan will serve as the government’s financial blueprint for programs, projects and operations in 2027./PN
