President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally signed the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 into law at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang on December 30.
JUST IN: Pormal nang nilagdaan ni Pang. @bongbongmarcos ang 2025 national budget | RH 14 @leth_narciso, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/L7STeENpWI
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) December 30, 2024
The Palace had previously stated that the national budget underwent a thorough review of its line items to ensure alignment with the administration's objectives.
Republic Act No. 12116 is a law that allocates funds for the operation of the government from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
In his speech following the ceremonial signing, Marcos emphasized that the approved budget reflects a collective commitment to translating economic gains into tangible benefits for every Filipino.
He further stated that the budget is crafted not only to address the country's current needs but also to sustain growth and improve the lives of future generations.
"While the final version of the budget reflects many of our shared priorities, some provisions required careful scrutiny," said Marcos.
"The Filipino people have spoken. Every centavo must go to programs that truly uplift lives, strengthen communities, [and] secure the future development of the Philippines," he added.
The President mentioned that there were calls to veto the entire budget and revert to a reenacted one, but he emphasized that these options are not something the country can afford.
A reenacted budget could delay crucial programs and jeopardize economic growth targets, including the goals of achieving single-digit poverty levels and attaining upper middle-income status.
However, Marcos assured that the Executive branch stands with the people in addressing concerns over appropriations that are not aligned with the country's development plan or responsive to the needs of the people.
"After an exhaustive and thorough review, we have directly vetoed over P194 billion worth of line items that are not consistent with program priorities," Marcos stated.
"These include allocations for certain programs and projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways and those under the unprogrammed appropriations which increase by 300%," he added.
The Chief Executive stated that conditional implementation of certain items will be pursued to ensure that public funds are used strictly for their authorized and intended purposes.
Moreover, the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) will be implemented through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
This move aims to ensure that the program's implementation is strategic, resulting in the long-term improvement of the lives of qualified beneficiaries, while preventing misuse, duplication, and fragmented benefits.
Furthermore, this approach is anchored on the simple yet profound truth that the appropriation of public funds must not betray the public's trust.
"Sa sambayanang Pilipino, nakikinig po kami sa inyo. Salamat po sa inyong pagkilatis sa ating national budget at sa pagpuna sa kaibahan ng isinumite ng Kongreso sa President's proposed budget," said Marcos.
"Kaya naman po kahit Pasko, kaming lahat ay nagtrabaho upang pag-aralan ito. Ito pong ipapasang General Appropriations Act ngayon, kasama na ang mga veto, ay resulta ng aming pagdinig sa inyong tugon," he added.
Marcos assured that social services, including education as mandated by the Constitution, as well as healthcare, will remain a priority.
He also mentioned that the government will continue and implement economic services, including infrastructure and agriculture, to further strengthen the economy and fight poverty caused by rising prices and disasters.
"Titiyakin namin na maipapatupad ang mga plano upang maipababa ang presyo ng pagkain, lalong lalo na ang bigas," Marcos said.
In the education sector, the President mentioned that efforts will continue to address the shortage of school buildings and computers in schools.
Furthermore, the President assured that the benefits for all Filipinos under PhilHealth will continue and be expanded.
Through the budget, Marcos also mentioned that priority will be given to green investments and disaster preparedness to safeguard the environment and ensure resilience against disasters.
"We shall drive innovation and enhanced trade and investments to create more quality jobs and to improve productivity. To sustain these efforts, we are advancing government reforms. We shall continue to improve our systems for a more efficient, transparent, and accountable government," Marcos stated.
"Through digitalization we shall streamline services, reduce bureaucratic delays, and combat corruption," he added.
Ultimately, Marcos reminded all government employees of their duty to the nation. He emphasized the importance of using the country's funds properly and ensuring that programs funded by the government are started and completed on time.
The proposed P6.352-trillion national budget was reduced to P6.326 trillion.
