The House of Representatives submitted copies of the proposed 2025 national budget, including the approved amendments, to the Senate on Thursday, October 24.
The finalized and approved national budget for next year amounts to Php 6.352 trillion. It was approved last September 25, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified the measure as urgent.
The General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2025 had a slight increase, compared to the previous national budget of Php 5.767 trillion.
The 2025 GAB was submitted to the Senate's Legislative Bills and Index Service staff, despite work cancellations in both chambers brought about by the severe tropical storm Kristine.
Its submission comes a day before the scheduled transmittal on October 25. Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero previously asked that the House submit the GAB earlier than the agreed-upon date, as they are eyeing to approve the budget at the soonest possible date.
The Committee on Appropriations recently realigned a portion of the Office of the Vice President's (OVP) proposed budget towards other government sectors such as social services, health, agriculture, and education. The lower chamber's decision came after finding an overlap between functions.
To eliminate the said redundancy in expenses, the OVP budget was slashed to Php 733.198 million.
The final version of the national budget should be approved and signed by the President before the end of every fiscal year.
