Senator JV Ejercito urges unchanged funding for 2027 infrastructure flagship projects
Senate finance panel chairman JV Ejercito warned that cuts to flagship infrastructure projects in the 2027 budget could leave the Philippines trailing its Southeast Asian neighbours.
JV Ejercito, chair of the Senate finance panel, told listeners that the 2027 national budget should preserve funding for the administration’s flagship infrastructure initiatives. He noted that neighboring countries in Southeast Asia are heavily investing in similar projects, and any reduction would further widen the gap. Ejercito pointed to a reported realignment in the House’s budget proposal that trims around P206 billion, including a P130-billion cut to foreign-assisted projects and a P40.4 billion reduction in transportation spending.
Specific projects at risk include the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway. He warned that postponements increase expenses and delay the economic benefits these projects are meant to deliver.
Why it matters
Reduced funding could delay key infrastructure, slowing the Philippines' economic development and regional competitiveness.
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