MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to sign the P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 into law on December 30, following the Rizal Day ceremonies, Malacañang announced on Tuesday. This move ensures the government will avoid operating on a reenacted budget at the start of 2025.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed the signing schedule, aligning with an earlier statement from Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s elder sister. The budget signing will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Malacañang.
Rizal Day, commemorating the 1896 martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, typically includes early morning flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies led by the President at the Rizal Monument in Manila.
Preventing a Reenacted Budget
Finalizing the 2025 budget eliminates the risk of a reenacted budget, which could hinder the implementation of new programs and projects due to the absence of newly enacted appropriations.
In recent days, President Marcos has held numerous meetings with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and his economic team to meticulously review the proposed budget, which was approved by Congress. Marcos emphasized a thorough evaluation, saying they were examining the budget “item by item, line by line,” to identify projects added as “insertions” that were not part of the original National Expenditure Program.
While Marcos ruled out returning the budget bill to Congress for revisions, he indicated he would use his veto power to address line items and provisions that do not align with government priorities.
Controversial Provisions
The 2025 budget has faced criticism for significant cuts to public services, including ₱86 billion from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, ₱74.5 billion from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., and ₱12 billion from the Department of Education.
Concerns were also raised about allocations such as ₱26 billion for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita, a financial assistance program for the “near poor,” which critics questioned as being politically motivated ahead of an election year. Additionally, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received a substantial ₱1.1 trillion allocation, including an additional ₱289 billion, drawing further scrutiny.
Constitutional Concerns
Senator Imee Marcos criticized the budget’s prioritization of public works over education, which contradicts Section 5, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution. The provision mandates that education receive the largest budgetary allocation. She argued that at least ₱188 billion should be slashed from the DPWH to ensure compliance with the Constitution.
Despite her criticisms, Senator Marcos did not vote against the budget but reiterated that unprogrammed appropriations could only be released if excess income or new funding sources become available.
Veto Powers and Budget Adjustments
Under the Constitution, the President has the authority to veto specific line items in appropriation bills. Congress may overturn a veto with a two-thirds vote of all House members.
If the President exercises his line-item veto power, the funds for vetoed items cannot be reallocated to other budget areas. This limitation could result in fewer projects being funded and potentially reduce the overall budget deficit.
The 2025 General Appropriations Bill, once signed, will serve as a key element of the government’s plans for addressing economic challenges while navigating criticisms and constitutional requirements.
