The P6.352 trillion national budget for 2025 will be signed before year-end, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.
According to Marcos Jr., the expenditure program, particularly some insertions not part of the original budget request, need to be carefully scrutinized.
In a media interview after an event at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, the President confirmed that both houses of Congress had approved the proposed 2025 national expenditure program. It is now up to the executive branch to review the details.
“It’s finished in Congress. Tapos na. So, it’s up to us now to look at the items and to see what are appropriate, what are relevant, and what are the priorities,” he said.
“I think we’ll be able to do it before the year ends,” he added, noting the original schedule was to sign the budget on December 20.
Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of ensuring the 2025 budget is directed to priority projects and includes stronger safeguards, particularly concerning budget insertions.
He explained that some proposed projects lacked proper documentation, including a program of work or clear details on where the funds would be spent.
“Hindi naman tayo nagkaroon ng napakalaking budget na savings. Hindi nga. Kulang-kulang. Kaya’t kailangang maingat na maingat tayo kasi ‘yung ginagastos diyan ay, hindi naman karamihan pero meron diyan, utang,” the Chief Executive said.
“Kaya’t kailangan mapunta sa tama para mabayaran natin ‘yung utang. May bawi naman tayo doon sa ginastos natin, doon sa inutang natin. That’s what we are trying to clarify,” he added.IMT
