Manila, July 3 -- The proposed 2027 national budget should prioritize measures that will boost economic growth and help the country withstand global and domestic challenges, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said on Friday.

In a news release, Gatchalian said next year's spending plan should stimulate economic activity amid global financial headwinds, including persistently high petroleum prices and the threat of a severe El Nino.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has proposed a PHP7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, up 6 percent from this year's P6.793 trillion. The proposed spending plan is equivalent to 21.7 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

"Our national budget for next year should help stimulate economi...