MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the 2025 national budget into law, vetoing over PHP194 billion in line items that he deemed inconsistent with his administration's priorities. The signed budget is aimed at sustaining economic growth and improving the lives of future generations, while the vetoed items were considered misaligned with the government's development agenda.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos emphasized the importance of prudence in budget management to avoid increasing the country's deficit and debt, which could hinder development goals. Although the budget aligns with many of his administration's priorities, Marcos stated that certain provisions required thorough scrutiny to ensure public funds are utilized for programs that benefit the Filipino people.
Marcos addressed calls for vetoing the entire budget and returning to a reenacted budget, arguing that such a move would hinder vital programs and economic goals, including reducing poverty to single-digit levels and achieving upper-middle-income status. The President highlighted the need for budget allocations to align with the country's development plans and announced the vetoes following a comprehensive review of line items, which included cuts to projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways and a substantial increase in unprogrammed appropriations.
The President also called for a strategic implementation of the Ayuda sa Kapos ng Kita Program (AKAP) through a convergence process involving relevant departments, emphasizing the importance of avoiding misuse, duplication, and fragmented benefits.
Senate President Francis Escudero described the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as a collaborative effort involving various sectors, including public input. Despite delays, Escudero noted that the thorough review of the GAA was part of standard budget procedures, highlighting the significance of the budget's signing before the year's end to prevent a reenacted budget situation.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez praised the budget signing as a decisive action ensuring uninterrupted government operations and addressing pressing national priorities. He reiterated the importance of balancing fiscal discipline with the government's commitment to improving the quality of life for Filipinos.
The budget process demonstrated a united effort to ensure government programs effectively serve the people's needs, reinforcing democratic participation through public input in budget reviews.
