The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed ₱7.2 trillion national budget for 2027, despite objections from lawmakers over alleged pork barrel allocations.
The measure passed with 282 votes in favor, 13 against and one abstention.
Minority lawmakers questioned several proposed allocations, including alleged patronage-based assistance programs, farm-to-market roads, infrastructure projects, the Local Government Support Fund, and confidential and intelligence funds.
Rep. Leila de Lima also questioned the proposed transfer of ₱130 billion from foreign-assisted projects to other programs under the House version of the budget.
Despite the objections, the chamber approved the spending proposal in its final reading.
The House version includes a ₱12.23 billion increase in funding for health programs. It also allocates ₱500 million for the School Safety and Security Program.
Education programs received an additional ₱10.6 billion under the proposed budget.
The vote advances the House-approved version of the 2027 national spending plan, which drew scrutiny over its allocations and the proposed transfer of funds.
The concerns raised by minority lawmakers focused on specific programs, infrastructure spending, confidential and intelligence funds, and the movement of money from foreign-assisted projects.
