Following the postponement of the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that while a specific signing date has not yet been set, the budget will be signed before the year ends.
In an ambush interview at Villamor Airbase on Thursday, Marcos said that it may take some time to review the 2025 national budget, as it requires thorough examination due to significant changes from the budget requests of various agencies.
Since it has already been approved by the bicameral conference committee, his only option now is to exercise his veto power to regain control over the spending program.
According to Marcos, they are meticulously reviewing the General Appropriations Act, examining each item and line to assess and identify priorities and non-priorities.
"I want to be very very sure that the budget for 2025 is directed at the important projects that we have prioritized," Marcos mentioned.
"And secondly, that there is a stronger safeguards on the spending for the different projects. Kaya baka mag-aassess na naman tayo ng mga project na pinasok because 'yung insertion na ginawa ay hindi naman kasama 'yon sa budget request," he added.
Pang. @bongbongmarcos, tiniyak na mapipirmahan ang 2025 national budget bago matapos ang taon | RH 14 @leth_narciso, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/O2YabK03N3
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) December 19, 2024
On Wednesday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that the GAA will not be signed on December 20, citing the need for additional time to conduct a thorough and detailed review.
Moreover, on December 11, the bicameral conference committee finalized and approved House Bill No. 10800, which proposes a PHP 6.352 trillion national budget for 2025.
