After two weeks of plenary debates, the House of Representatives is ready to approve the proposed P6.325-trillion national budget for 2025 on third and final reading, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Sunday.
The Leyte representative said the members of the 19th Congress are adhering to the plenary deliberation-approval timeline “because we are treating the national spending program with urgency without sacrificing transparency.”
Romualdez said the approval of the outlay before Congress goes on recess next weekend would give the Senate enough time for its own plenary debate process.
“We have sufficient time to finally agree on the budget before yearend. It is the most important piece of legislation Congress passes every year,” the House leader said of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
“Next year’s spending legislation will serve as our tool for sustained economic development. It will support the Agenda for Prosperity programs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” he added.
Romualdez is hopeful the Filipino people would appreciate the work that lawmakers have put in towards the formulation of the National Expenditure Program. He said the budget serves as an instrument for the government to spread the dividends of economic progress through various social protection programs.
It would fund the financial assistance initiatives, infrastructure spending, and various other public services in state-owned roads, hospitals, classrooms, seaports and airports irrigation systems and transportation networks, among others.
“We hope our people will feel the benefits of growth through the programs intended for them in the national budget,” Romualdez noted.
He thanked the House Committee on Appropriations led by chairperson Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and senior vice chairperson Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo for ensuring that the 2025 GAB would be ready for approval in time.
House Committee on Rules chairperson Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe said President Marcos is expected to certify the bill for the 202 national budget as urgent.
