MANILA – Sen. Francis Pangilinan called for strict scrutiny of the proposed PHP7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, saying every peso collected from taxpayers must translate into concrete benefits for Filipinos and must not be lost to corruption.

In a statement issued Sept. 8, Pangilinan said Congress should examine not only the amount of every proposed allocation but also its purpose, readiness, implementation and measurable impact as lawmakers deliberate on the spending plan.

“The Filipino people must feel the impact of the 2027 national budget in their everyday lives—through lower prices of food and other basic goods, better employment opportunities, and higher incomes for workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and small entrepreneurs,” he said.

Pangilinan said the budget should reflect the country’s priorities and improve the daily lives of Filipinos, particularly by easing the cost of food, education, housing, utilities, transportation and healthcare.

He stressed that the success of the national budget should be measured by whether families can afford basic necessities and avoid being pushed into debt by medical emergencies.

Food security, he said, should remain a central priority of the 2027 spending plan, with investments aimed at reducing dependence on imports while improving the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk.

Pangilinan said allocations for agriculture and agrarian reform should translate into increased domestic food production, more stable incomes for agricultural workers and more affordable food for consumers.

He also called for investments in irrigation, farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, cold storage, transportation and agricultural extension services to help farmers and fisherfolk increase production and bring their products to consumers at fair prices.

The senator likewise urged stronger funding for healthcare, including free consultations and medicines, adequately equipped hospitals and health centers, additional doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, and expanded PhilHealth coverage.

“Our people must feel this through lower hospital expenses and faster, more reliable medical services. Filipinos must not be one medical emergency away from complete and abject poverty,” he said.

Pangilinan also said the budget should provide timely assistance, healthcare and rehabilitation to communities affected by typhoons, floods, earthquakes and other disasters.

He particularly called for continued scrutiny of flood-control projects, citing repeated failures that have affected communities.

“We will continue to scrutinize every peso allocated to these projects and demand that every step—from planning and procurement to implementation—is transparent, accountable, and open to meaningful public participation. Our people deserve flood-control projects that work, and a government that can account for every peso spent,” he said.

Pangilinan warned against wasteful and ineffective government spending, including duplicated or poorly planned projects and allocations that fail to address urgent public needs.

He said the national budget should serve as a reflection of the government’s priorities and commitment to the Filipino people.

“The people’s budget must be felt by the people—not lost to corruption,” Pangilinan said.