Tinio to oppose second, third reading of P7.2-trillion budget bill

MANILA, Philippines — ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Wednesday said that he will vote to oppose the second and third readings of the 2027 General Appropriations Bill, emphasizing that there must be full transparency in the proposed amendments in next year’s budget.

This is what Tinio said when asked for his vote on the second reading of the bill during the lower chamber session on Wednesday.

The Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARSc) wrapped up last week its proposed amendments to the P7.2-trillion budget bill. 

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READ: Tinio seeks full disclosure of BARSc budget amendments

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“Definitely no ang boto natin sa second reading and next Monday, third and final reading. No at magpapaliwanag tayo kung bakit no,” Tinio told reporters in an interview. 

(We will definitely vote no on the second reading and for the third and final reading. We will explain our vote.)

Tinio pointed out the September 2026 inflation rate that rose to 7.2 percent from August 2026’s 6.1 percent. 

“Pambihira ang pagtaas lalo na ang pagkain ngunit magiging inutil ang proposed budget na ito dahil walang substantial increase sa sweldo lalo pa sa allowance ng government employees, yung Pera [Personnel Economic Relief Allowance], at walang matatanggap na relief in terms ng pagpapababa ng presyo ng pagkain,” he added. 

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(There is a significant increase, especially in basic commodities such as food, but the proposed budget remains inutile because there is no substantial increase in salaries, particularly in the allowance of government employees, Pera, and there is no relief in the increasing prices of food.)

Tinio, along with other Makabayan bloc lawmakers Sarah Elago and Renee Co, repeatedly pushed for prioritizing increased funds for education, social services, and salary increases for government employees, among others. 

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READ: House special panel hikes public works’ proposed 2027 funding by P11B

The lawmakers also questioned the proposed amendments made for the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, amounting to P11 billion, saying that it should be allocated to social services and other priorities instead. 

‘Full transparency’

Tinio also reiterated his demand for full transparency for the proposed amendments made by the BARSc, noting that there should be a separate committee report on the proposed changes made to the budget. 

“Ano ba ang tinatago? Kung walang tinatago, dapat ilabas. I-demand natin na ilabas yung buong report para makita at mahusgahan ng publiko kung ano talaga ang ginawa o gagawin sa budget for 2027,” he said. 

(What are they hiding? If they’re not hiding anything, they must release it. We demand the release of the whole report so the House and the public can judge what was done in the proposed budget for 2027.)

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He also shared that he received a copy of the amended GAB last night and that he is currently reviewing the documents.  /gsg