The Philippine Senate on Thursday disclosed that it had requested a lower allocation in the proposed 2027 national budget, seeking P7.7 billion — approximately P863 million, or 10.1%, below the chamber's 2026 budget.

Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the reduced request was intended to set an example amid the government's limited fiscal resources. He emphasized that the Senate was among the few government agencies whose proposed 2027 budget is lower than its current allocation. The request carries added weight because it comes from the chamber whose finance committee, which Mr. Ejercito chairs, reviews the government-wide spending plan before it can become law.

The National Expenditure Program is the annual spending plan drafted by the branch and submitted to Congress, which deliberates on the proposal before enacting it into law as the General Appropriations Act. Under the process, the Senate — the upper chamber of the bicameral Philippine Congress — reviews the measure through its finance committee before reconciling its version with that of the House of Representatives. The Philippines' fiscal year runs from January to December. At this stage, the P7.7 billion stands as a request rather than a final figure: the amount that takes effect will only be settled through congressional deliberation and enactment of the General Appropriations Act for the 2027 fiscal year.

Senate Secretary Renato N. Bantug, Jr. told the chamber that several budget scenarios had been submitted for the 2027 National Expenditure Program, ranging from P7.7 billion down to P5.7 billion, the latter nearly P2 billion lower than the final figure.

Mr. Bantug said the proposed reductions would not affect the Senate's duties, noting that the chamber will continue to improve its digital systems, legislative services, and access to information.

Mr. Ejercito said the Senate was leading through "fiscal austerity" with its lower allocation, adding that the chamber's goal throughout the budget process was to support other agencies.

"Our focus is simple: to make sure that each agency gets the support they need to serve the public effectively," he said.

The Senate's final 2027 allocation will be fixed once the House of Representatives acts on the spending bill and both chambers reconcile their versions — the point at which the chamber's requested reduction will either hold or be adjusted.

Source: BusinessWorld — Francessca S. Abalos (original article)