Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has formally issued the 2027 national budget call, urging government agencies to focus on discipline, performance, and transparency as the Marcos administration moves to lock in reforms early.
According to Philippines News Agency, in National Budget Memorandum No. 156 signed by Acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo and issued on Monday, the budget agency stated that the government remains committed to sustaining reform momentum and inclusive development. This commitment aligns with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Midterm Update 2023-2028 and the updated Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF).
The issuance of the budget call coincided with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s signing of the PHP6.793-trillion 2026 national budget, marking it as the largest annual spending plan in the country's history.
The DBM indicated that the proposed FY 2027 budget will serve as a crucial pipeline for achieving the PDP's strategic objectives as the nation enters the final phase of implementation, anchored on AmBisyon Natin 2040. With limited fiscal space, agencies were reminded that proposals will be carefully reviewed based on value for money, past performance, and implementation readiness, in line with the Cash Budgeting System.
The DBM emphasized that only programs and projects demonstrating strong absorptive capacity and readiness for execution will be considered for inclusion in the 2027 spending plan.
The memorandum outlined that the 2027 budget will prioritize protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos, sustaining inclusive economic growth, strengthening climate resilience, improving public service delivery through digitalization, and promoting balanced regional development. It will also remain responsive to emerging domestic and global risks.
Furthermore, the DBM stressed the importance of continued support for infrastructure development under the Build-Better-More Program, along with sustained funding for social services, climate- and disaster-vulnerable areas, and basic public services.
The budget call highlighted the necessity to enhance coordination between national agencies, regional offices, and local government units to ensure that programs align with national priorities and respond to local needs. This is especially significant following the devolution of functions under the Mandanas ruling.
The 2027 budget call follows reforms in the 2026 budget process, which, for the first time, included the livestreaming of bicameral conference committee deliberations upon the President's instruction. This initiative aims to prevent backdoor insertions and strengthen public scrutiny of the national budget.
