President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has postponed the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to conduct a thorough and detailed review, according to a statement from Malacañang on Wednesday. The signing, originally scheduled for December 20, has been delayed to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the PHP6.352 trillion national budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained that the delay is necessary to allow President Marcos to lead a meticulous assessment of the budget, in collaboration with key department heads. This review aims to shape the nation’s direction for the next year.
Bersamin also noted that some items and provisions in the proposed budget will be vetoed to align with public welfare, fiscal policies, and legal requirements. In a recent interview, President Marcos mentioned that his office is closely examining the detailed aspects of the 2025 GAB, particularly focusing on elements that raise concerns.
Additionally, Marcos expressed his intention to reinstate the PHP10 billion that was previously cut from the Department of Education’s budget for 2025, emphasizing that reducing education funding contradicts the administration’s priorities. He also defended the decision to provide no subsidy to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. next year, citing the corporation’s substantial reserve of PHP500 billion.
The 2025 budget bill, amounting to PHP6.352 trillion, was approved by the bicameral conference committee last week.