Manila, Sept. 10 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday vowed faster emergency response, safer communities and stronger local governance services under its proposed PHP332.5-billion budget for 2027, which is PHP22 billion higher than this year's allocation.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the proposed funding would be matched with concrete services that should reach communities down to the barangay level.

"Every single peso entrusted to us will be matched with decisive action and tangible public service that will reach every Filipino," Remulla said during the Senate Finance Subcommittee J hearing.

Sen. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, who presided over the hearing, asked what the public could expect fr...