Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero welcomed the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), stressing its significance as a product of extensive collaboration.
He noted that the budget process involved contributions from various sectors, including valuable public input, which reflects a commitment to democratic governance.”The General Appropriations Act is not only the most important legislation, but also the longest and most complicated bill that Congress is expected to pass every year. It should therefore no longer come as a surprise that the process is more prolonged and controversial compared to other bills and laws,” Escudero said.
While the signing took longer than anticipated, Escudero explained that this delay was part of the normal budget review process led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his economic team.
Escudero asserted that the Senate took its constitutional duty to appropriate funds seriously, ensuring that taxpayer money is allocated responsibly and effectively.
“Our work is not to blindly ratify proposals, but to review them rigorously, and if need be, recalibrate the budget to align with the needs of the people. Not to do so amounts to betrayal of public trust,” he explained.
The senator also highlighted the importance of finalizing the budget before year-end to prevent starting the new year with a reenacted budget, which could hinder government operations.
“If governance is defined as ‘allocating scarce resources’ then I am truly elated and encouraged that the people and all the branches of government took an active part in governance and governing of our country. This is precisely what democracy means, and it shows that we have a strong one where the system of checks and balances is alive and well,” he remarked.
He acknowledged that while divergent opinions are part of the legislative process, they should not derail governance, calling for swift implementation of the budget to ensure timely development and effective use of resources.
“Now that the budget authorization phase is concluded, it is time for each and every program, activity and project in the budget to be implemented on time, in full, according to specifications, and without delay. Conditional implementation should not constrict spending.”
