Diokno criticizes House-approved 2027 budget, says it preserves old system

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 13, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Maria Tan

Akbayan party-list Representative Chel Diokno criticized the House of Representatives’ version of the proposed 2027 national budget, arguing that it retained the same practices the government had pledged to reform.

His remarks came after lawmakers approved the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget on third and final reading on October 12, advancing the spending plan for the Marcos administration’s next fiscal year.

Diokno said the House version protected the old system rather than delivering the changes needed to improve accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

The proposed budget, which covers government agencies and national programs for 2027, will proceed to the next stage of the legislative process, where its provisions may still be scrutinized and revised.

The House-approved measure allocates the largest share to education, with ₱1.10 trillion earmarked for the sector. The spending plan also covers infrastructure, social services, agriculture and other government priorities.

The budget debate comes amid calls for tighter oversight of public spending following controversies over government allocations and alleged irregularities in previous budgets.

The final version of the 2027 General Appropriations Act will determine how public funds are distributed among government agencies and programs.