Labor group: 2027 national budget fails workers

MANILA, Philippines — Labor group Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) said lawmakers who voted against the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 were “right to do so,” arguing that the spending plan fails to adequately address the needs of Filipino workers and their families.

The House of Representatives approved the proposed budget on third and final reading on Oct. 12, with 282 votes in favor, 13 against and one abstention.

READ: House approves P7.2-trillion 2027 budget bill on final reading

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In a statement, Sentro raised concerns over alleged pork barrel allocations, opaque budget insertions and spending priorities that it said failed to address pressing social and economic problems.

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Sentro secretary-general Joshu Mata said a record-breaking budget does not necessarily mean it is people-centered, adding that opposition to the measure was warranted.

“When public spending fails to prioritize decent jobs, essential services, labour protection and productive development—and when serious questions about pork-barrel politics remain unanswered—opposition is warranted,” Mata said.

He called on the Senate to scrutinize the proposed budget, question questionable allocations and redirect resources toward decent work, essential public services, labor protection, productive investment and climate resilience.

“Every peso in the national budget comes from the people. The public has the right to know who proposed each allocation, what it will fund, who will benefit, and why it deserves priority,” Mata said, adding that budget insertions must not become instruments of political patronage.

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Sentro also criticized what it described as inadequate funding for essential services and labor protection, as well as the lack of sustained investment in secure jobs and domestic industries.

The group called for greater transparency in public spending and stronger safeguards against economic and climate-related shocks, particularly the looming El Niño threat to livelihoods, food supply and water security.

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READ: House budget panel hikes social aid programs amid El Nino threat

“Workers cannot be expected to absorb the consequences of another crisis while government offers assurances without demonstrating that the necessary resources are available,” Mata said.

He said preparations for El Niño must be backed by a concrete plan and sufficient additional funding.

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Mata added that lawmakers had every reason to oppose the budget unless it adequately addressed the needs of Filipinos and provided sufficient resources for El Niño preparations. /mr