THE House of Representatives has formally approved on third and final reading the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget for fiscal year 2027 under House Bill No. 10858.
The measure, also known as the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), secured passage with 281 affirmative votes, 13 negative votes, and one abstention during Monday’s plenary session. Approval on second reading had taken place just days earlier, on Thursday, when lawmakers emphasized the administration’s focus on a “people-centered” and “Super El Niño-ready” allocation framework.
The budget process, however, drew scrutiny from several legislators who raised concerns about transparency surrounding adjustments introduced by the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARSc). Critics pointed to a lack of clarity regarding the specific basis and details of the increases and reallocations proposed by the subcommittee. No further details on the questioned adjustments were immediately provided in the session record.
The approved House version now moves to the Senate for its own review and consideration. Differences between the chambers’ respective versions will then be reconciled in a bicameral conference committee before the final measure is submitted to the President for signing into law.
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