The Presidential Communications Office invites civil society organizations to help identify potential issues in the P7.2 trillion budget proposal to ensure thorough review before approval.
Manila, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on November 3, 2026, called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to report any “red flags” found in the proposed 2027 Philippine national budget to Malacañang. This effort aims to assist President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in reviewing the budget before signing it into law.
Undersecretary Castro emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration, requesting watchdog groups to submit copies of documents highlighting questionable allocations directly to the Presidential Communications Office. She stated, “To those who are watching the budget, if you have a copy where you see a red flag, just let us know, give the Presidential Communications Office a copy because the President will also need it.”
Malacañang also expressed readiness to hold meetings with CSOs to assess the budget proposal collaboratively. Castro warned against diminishing the proposed budget amounts, saying that reducing funding could delay critical projects slated for completion during President Marcos Jr.’s administration. She added a strong reminder to government officials about the proper use of public funds, stressing, “Public funds should not be abused. It should go to the people, not into the pockets of anyone.”
The President will not permit budget amendments lacking adequate documentation, clear project descriptions, or defined outcomes, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
The People’s Budget Coalition previously highlighted over a trillion pesos in “red flags” within the P7.2 trillion budget, pointing to P210 billion of “soft pork” (patronage-driven assistance), P695 billion in “hard pork” (politicized infrastructure projects), and P112 billion labeled as “shadow pork” (unprogrammed appropriations).
Senate Finance Committee Chairman JV Ejercito committed to involving CSOs in the bicameral conference committee’s budget deliberations, while Senator Panfilo Lacson affirmed the majority bloc’s support for purging questionable funds and enhancing budget transparency.
This call for vigilance and cooperation reflects the government’s intent to promote fiscal accountability and ensure that public resources effectively support national development priorities.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1008100/budget-watchdogs-urged-to-report-red-flags-to-palace/story/