In a decisive move, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed his Cabinet to reassess the government’s National Expenditure Program (NEP) to restore funding for essential projects that were cut by Congress. This directive was issued during the first full Cabinet meeting of the year at Malacañan Palace in Manila. Marcos emphasized the need to realign the government’s spending to match the priorities outlined in the NEP, which he believes are crucial for the nation’s socioeconomic development. He highlighted significant budget reductions, such as a PHP12-billion cut for road maintenance, a PHP500-million decrease in bridge maintenance funds, and a PHP21-billion reduction in the budget for feasibility studies. Marcos expressed his readiness to engage with each department to ensure that the actual expenditure program reflects the NEP’s intentions. He also sought clarity on the fate of departmental budget allocations, particularly those earmarked for critical projects. On December 30, 2024, Marcos signed the PHP6.326-trillion General Appropriations Act for 2025 into law, vetoing over PHP194 billion in line items that he felt did not align with his administration’s priorities. He also conditionally implemented certain items to safeguard the prudent use of public funds. The 2025 budget represents a 9.7 percent increase over the 2024 budget of PHP5.768 trillion and accounts for 22 percent of the projected 2025 gross domestic product.
President Marcos Jr. Orders Budget Review to Restore Funding for Key Projects
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