Marcos to agencies: Only fast-implementing projects should be included in 2027 budget
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)
President Marcos ordered government agencies to only include projects that can be implemented quickly in next year's national budget.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto reiterated Marcos' directive as the Cabinet continues to evaluate the proposed 2027 national budget.
Marcos, according to Recto, reminded government agencies to "prioritize only projects that can be implemented quickly and without obstacles."
He said the President stressed that funding should be allocated only to programs that will directly benefit the public.
"Kaya dapat pawang nakatugma sa programa ng pamahalaan, ayon sa pambansang plano, at mataas ang pampublikong benepisyo ang maisama sa panukalang gastusin (Only programs that are aligned with the government's agenda, consistent with the national development plan, and provide significant public benefit should be included in the proposed budget)," Recto said.
Marcos approved the 2027 national expenditure program (NEP) last Friday, July 10.
Recto disclosed that Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Kim de Leon presented the highlights of the proposed 2027 NEP during a July 9 meeting. It was submitted to the President on Friday.
Marcos also expressed hope that the NEP prepared by the DBM had been thoroughly scrutinized and carefully studied.
Present at the meeting were the heads of key government agencies, including Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
Senior officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of Health (DOH) also attended the meeting, Recto said.