President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. postponed the signing of the proposed P6.352-trillion 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which was originally scheduled for December 20.
This decision aims to allow for a more comprehensive review of the spending measure, as announced by Malacañang on Wednesday.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that the President is personally leading the review and is consulting with the heads of major government departments to ensure that the budget reflects national priorities and adheres to fiscal policies.
“The scheduled signing of the General Appropriations Act on December 20 will not push through to allow more time for a rigorous and exhaustive review of a measure that will determine the course of the nation for the next year,” Bersamin said in a statement.
He also confirmed that certain items in the budget would be vetoed.
“This will be done in the interest of public welfare, to conform with the fiscal program, and in compliance with laws,” he added.
While no new signing date has been announced, the administration assured the public that this delay would not disrupt government operations.
Last Monday, President Marcos expressed his goal of signing the 2024 budget before the end of the year.
“We’re aiming to finish by Christmas,” he said. However, he also mentioned that he is still reviewing the national budget due to concerns regarding allocations for various key sectors of the government.
On December 11, the bicameral conference committee approved the final version of House Bill No. 10800, which outlines the national government’s spending plan for 2025.
Various sectors called for a careful review of the budget, including Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s elder sister. She expressed her willingness to work through the holidays to resolve concerns about specific allocations.
The GAA must be enacted before the end of the year to avoid a reenacted budget, which would limit the government’s ability to implement new programs and initiatives.
