People’s Budget Coalition National Coordinator Abigail Modales warned of a possible return to questionable budget practices in the proposed 2027 national budget, saying the government appears to be repeating patterns linked to the flood control scandal.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Wednesday, Nov. 4, Modales said the proposed budget suggests an active effort to revive practices that the government had attempted to address following the controversy over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
“Ang sinasabi natin ngayong 2027 para tayong bumabalik... May active effort na bumalik sa nakaraang mga practices at kung bakit nagkaroon tayo ng flood control scandal in the first place,” Modales said.
She acknowledged that the 2026 national budget was not perfect but said efforts had been made to improve budget allocation following the flood control controversy.
Modales said the proposed 2027 budget appears to follow a similar pattern, particularly through the insertion and expansion of infrastructure projects.
Aside from flood control, she identified four areas of concern: farm-to-market roads under the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) under the Department of Health (DOH), and irrigation projects under the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
The proposed 2027 national budget earmarks ₱16 billion for DA farm-to-market road projects, while the House of Representatives' version of the budget allocates ₱1.55 billion for the DOH's HFEP.
Meanwhile, the National Expenditure Program (NEP) proposes ₱30.44 billion for the NIA, while ₱107.4 billion is allocated for flood control projects under the proposed national budget.
Modales also raised concerns over increased allocations for government assistance programs, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
She clarified that the coalition was not calling for the complete removal of funding for financial assistance programs but questioned the allocation priorities.
“Hindi natin sinasabi na tanggalin completely ang budget ng ayuda pero to the point na gutted ang budget natin sa transportation, sa health at sa education, yan po ang mga hindi magandang pagpaplano para sa budget,” Modales said.
According to Modales, increasing funds for assistance programs while reducing allocations for transportation, health and education reflects poor budget planning.
The People's Budget Coalition has raised concerns over more than ₱1 trillion in proposed allocations that it considers questionable and potentially vulnerable to political patronage.
Modales stressed the need to scrutinize the proposed allocations to ensure public funds are directed toward essential services and projects that genuinely benefit the public.
Watch the full exclusive interview below:
