MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang has urged budget watchdogs and civil society groups (CSGs) to help President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Tie identify potential "red flags" in the proposed P7.2 trillion 2027 national budget.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro on Tuesday said Malacañang is ready to cooperate with budget watchdogs and CSGs to review the budget to ensure transparency and efficiency in government spending.
The Palace press officer urged them to directly submit documents containing potential irregularities to Malacanang.
“To those monitoring the budget, if you have a copy of something you noticed and found to be a red flag, just let us know, give us a copy — the PCO itself — because the President will also need this,” Castro said during a press briefing.
"The president’s directive is that public funds must not be abused. Public funds should go to the people, not into anyone’s pockets,” she said in Filipino.
Castro cited that the role of budget watchdogs in helping the government ensure the protection of public funds from abuse and corruption. "Budget watchdogs are needed by the government."
Castro assured that the president will not allow budget amendments that lack sufficient documentation, clear descriptions, and concrete project bases.
She noted that the proposed 2027 budget will still undergo review by the bicameral conference committee and the president’s economic team before being submitted to the Chief Executive for his signature.
Budget watchdogs and CSGs recently raised concerns over alleged insertions in the House of Representatives’ version of the 2027 General Appropriations Bill.
The House approved the P7.2 trillion spending measure on third and final reading on October 12.
