The Senate will conduct an independent review of the proposed PHP7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 and pursue necessary corrections, Sen. JV Ejercito said Tuesday, amid concerns over nearly PHP199 billion in realignments in the House-approved version.

Ejercito said the Senate Finance Committee, which he heads, has yet to receive the House-approved budget bill for its review.

“Once we receive it, we will conduct our own independent review. Hindi po natin basta-basta na lang tatanggapin kung ano man ang ipinasa ng Kamara. (We will not simply accept whatever the House has approved),” he said in an interview.

Ejercito acknowledged concerns raised by budget watchdogs and civil society groups over the realignments introduced in the House version.

“These are serious questions that deserve serious scrutiny, to determine if the allocation of funds is correct, and that amending the budget is part of the legislative process. But any change must have a clear basis that can be explained to the public,” Ejercito said.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also expressed concern over the scale of the realignments, saying nearly PHP200 billion had been transferred among items in the proposed budget.

“Malaki-laki rin ‘yung amount. Almost PHP200 billion rin yung lumipat sa loob ng budget, PHP199 [billion] to be exact. So titignan namin mabuti ‘yan at titignan rin natin ng maigi kung bakit ganun kalaki ang realignment,” (The amount is substantial. Nearly PHP200 billion was realigned within the budget, PHP199 billion to be exact. We will scrutinize this closely and determine why the realignment was so large),” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian cited reported budget cuts to foreign-assisted projects, including the Metro Manila Subway and other railway projects, with some of the funds reportedly realigned to medical assistance and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The Senate Finance Committee will hold a one- to two-day briefing with civil society groups before preparing its committee report. Any concerns or red flags they raise will be referred to the concerned government agencies for explanation.

“One of the most challenging times to be Finance chair is right after the flood control scam. The challenge is great, to restore our people’s trust in the budget process,” Ejercito said. (PNA)