In a statement from the Senate Session Hall, senators highlighted the significance of the delay in signing the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), viewing it as a testament to the strength of democratic checks and balances. Senate President Francis Escudero explained that the delay is a normal part of the legislative process, allowing the Executive Branch to exercise its constitutional rights to review and potentially veto specific items in the proposed budget. He emphasized that this annual practice is crucial due to the budget’s extensive detail and complexity.
Echoing Escudero’s views, Senator Grace Poe described the ongoing review as a ‘hallmark of a healthy democracy.’ She stressed the importance of supporting the budgetary checks and balances, noting that the President, advised by his economic team, has the authority to thoroughly assess and decide on the budget. Poe also highlighted the GAA’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic future, describing it as the ‘most important piece of legislation’ for maintaining economic stability and promoting GDP growth in 2025.
Despite the delay, legislative leaders expressed confidence that the budget would be signed before the year’s end, avoiding the need for a reenacted budget. Malacañang has postponed the target date for the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill to allow President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sufficient time for a thorough and exhaustive review of the document.