By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. JV Ejercito has called for a faster rollout of government spending to reinvigorate the Philippine economy, saying infrastructure investments and expanded healthcare funding should take center stage in the preparation of the 2027 national budget.
Ejercito said the economy has slowed as government agencies tightened spending in the aftermath of recent controversies, including the alleged flood control fund scandal. While he acknowledged the need to hold accountable those involved in any irregularities, he stressed that fiscal discipline should not hinder projects that fuel economic growth.
“The government must strike the right balance between ensuring accountability and sustaining public investments,” Ejercito said. “Infrastructure spending is one of the strongest drivers of economic activity and job creation.”
As the newly installed chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Ejercito vowed to continue the budget reforms introduced by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, who previously chaired the panel. Among the reforms he intends to pursue is greater transparency in the national budget process, particularly by scrutinizing changes made during bicameral conference committee deliberations.
The senator also expressed concern over the Senate’s legislative calendar, noting that deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget will overlap with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, scheduled to begin on July 6.
Ejercito said he hopes the impeachment proceedings can be completed without unnecessary delays to allow lawmakers ample time to conduct a comprehensive review of the government’s spending program.
Beyond infrastructure, the senator identified healthcare as another major priority under the proposed budget.
As one of the principal authors of the Universal Health Care Law, Ejercito said additional funding should not be limited to specialty hospitals but should also strengthen provincial and regional hospitals, where most Filipinos first seek medical care.
He acknowledged the government’s fiscal constraints but emphasized that investing in healthcare is essential to improving public services and ensuring wider access to quality medical treatment.
Ejercito has already begun consultations with officials of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as the Senate prepares for one of its most critical tasks—the deliberation and approval of the national budget while simultaneously handling the impeachment trial of the Vice President.
ia/xf
