Manila, Aug. 18 -- The proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) provides funding for the construction of 6,587 new classrooms, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said, clarifying reports that the government would build only 700 classrooms next year.

The DBM issued the clarification late Monday after ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said during a budget hearing that the government's "targeted construction of classrooms" for 2027 was 700.

Some reports subsequently interpreted the figure to mean that the proposed 2027 spending plan would fund only 700 new classrooms, down from the 4,869 target for 2026.

The DBM said the interpretation was inaccurate.

Under the proposed 2027 NEP, funding is provided for the c...