THE MAKABAYAN bloc has criticized the Marcos administration’s proposed P7.2-trillion 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), describing its priorities as “anti-people” and warning that essential social services, particularly education, could suffer significant budget reductions.

The group said the proposed budget favors infrastructure spending under the administration’s “Build Better More” program over essential social services.

According to the bloc, the budget for government services was reduced by 5.5%, while the Department of Transportation (DOTr) was allocated P118.97 billion, more than double its previous funding. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), meanwhile, received an additional P113.02 billion.

The Makabayan bloc also raised concerns over the P107.4-billion allocation for flood control projects, warning that increased infrastructure spending could revive alleged flood control anomalies and benefit favored contractors.

But the group said education is among the sectors that would bear the brunt of the proposed cuts.

The Department of Education (DepEd) budget was reportedly reduced by P44.57 billion, while its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) was cut by P33.7 billion. Capital Outlay was placed at P66.6 billion.

Funding for basic education facilities was also reduced by P30.6 billion for 2027.

The Makabayan bloc said the combined reductions amount to a crippling 64.22% cut in education funding, raising concerns over the government’s capacity to address persistent shortages in classrooms and other basic education facilities.

The group further warned that the proposed budget does not yet account for possible congressional insertions and realignments, which it described as potential sources of corruption.

For the Makabayan bloc, the proposed allocation pattern sends the wrong signal by prioritizing large infrastructure projects while reducing funding for education and other essential public services.

It urged Congress to scrutinize the 2027 NEP and ensure that public funds are redirected toward education, social protection, and other programs that directly benefit Filipinos.