President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to help monitor the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, emphasizing the need to safeguard public funds from corruption, ghost projects, and substandard infrastructure works.

Speaking at a press briefing in Bukidnon on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President directed both government agencies and the public to remain vigilant to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent on legitimate and quality projects.

Castro said the administration is committed to preventing public funds from being diverted to anomalous projects and encouraged citizens to report any irregularities, particularly in infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Palace’s appeal comes amid concerns raised by watchdog groups over alleged budget insertions and other spending items flagged in the proposed 2027 national budget.