Senate Finance Committee chairperson Grace Poe welcomed on Wednesday Malacañang’s announcement that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delayed the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), calling this development a “sign of healthy democracy.”
The Palace through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said President Marcos needs more time to review the budget legislation submitted by the Bicameral Conference Committee. It was confirmed that he will veto some items in the bicam version of the General Appropriations Bill.
“This is a sign of a healthy democracy. We have to support the checks and balances of our budgetary process. The President has the authority to assess the budget and approve or veto the proposed GAA,” Poe said.
The senator expressed confidence that the President will make a good decision since he has economic managers giving him the best advice possible. She underscored the importance of carefully reviewing GAA, considering its impact on the economy and national growth.
“The GAA is the most important piece of legislation that can determine our economic stability and our GDP (gross domestic product) growth in 2025,” Poe said.
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.
“This will be done in the interest of public welfare, to conform with the fiscal program, and in compliance with laws,” he added.
