The signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), initially set for December 20, has been postponed to allow President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. additional time for a detailed and comprehensive review, according to Malacañang. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that no new date has been set for the signing of the bill, which allocates PHP6.352 trillion for the national budget in fiscal year 2025. Bersamin emphasized the importance of the review, stating that it will shape the nation’s direction for the upcoming year. The review process is being personally overseen by President Marcos, who is consulting with heads of major government departments. Bersamin also noted that some items in the proposed budget will be vetoed to align with public welfare, fiscal programs, and legal compliance. In recent discussions with reporters, Marcos mentioned ongoing reviews of the GAB, particularly focusing on elements of concern within the spending plan. He expressed intentions to reinstate PHP10 billion to the Department of Education’s budget, which had been reduced, as he believes cutting education funds contradicts the administration’s goals. Additionally, Marcos 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 was approved by the bicameral conference committee last week.
2025 Budget Signing Delayed for Thorough Review by President Marcos
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