The scheduled signing of the General Appropriations Act on December 20 will not push through, Malacañang announced.

In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said this will allow more time for a “rigorous and exhaustive” review of the measure.

“The ongoing assessment is being led by the President himself, in consultation with the heads of major departments,” according to Bersamin.

“While we cannot yet announce the date of the signing, we can now confirm that certain items and provisions of the national budget bill will be vetoed in the interest of public welfare, to conform with the fiscal program, and in compliance with laws,” he added.

The proposed national budget for 2025 is set at P6.352 trillion.IMT