ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio has opposed the proposed 2027 national budget, citing billions of pesos in cuts to education funding, including allocations for classroom construction and repairs and the Department of Education’s (DepEd) computerization program.

Tinio explained the group’s vote against House Bill No. 10858, or the 2027 General Appropriations Bill, on October 12.

He said Congress further reduced DepEd’s proposed budget by P6.17 billion from the amount originally submitted by the administration.

Of this amount, P3.1 billion was cut from the Basic Education Facilities program, which funds classroom construction and repairs, while another P3.16 billion was deducted from the Computerization Program.

Tinio also criticized the less than one-percent increase in the operating budgets of public elementary and high schools, even as the private-school voucher program received an additional P1.93 billion.

The ACT Teachers lawmaker warned that the budget reductions could undermine the government’s efforts to address persistent problems in public education, particularly classroom shortages and limited access to learning technology.

He also questioned the allocation of public funds, alleging that the proposed 2027 budget prioritizes politically driven assistance programs and infrastructure projects over essential social services.

Tinio noted that while education funding was reduced, allocations for several assistance programs increased, including the Medical Assistance Program, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

The lawmaker also criticized the lack of transparency in congressional amendments to the proposed national budget, particularly the inclusion of 6,212 new Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects worth P180.5 billion.

He called on Congress to disclose the lawmakers responsible for proposing the projects, saying the public should be able to scrutinize how government funds are allocated.

Tinio also raised concerns over provisions that allow government agencies to modify projects included in the approved budget.

He said these practices reflect a spending system that prioritizes political interests instead of addressing the needs of ordinary Filipinos.

ACT Teachers maintained that the proposed budget fails to adequately support essential public services and government employees, including teachers.

The group reiterated its opposition to the 2027 General Appropriations Bill and urged the government to prioritize education and other essential social services over spending it considers politically motivated.