MANILA – Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Thursday thanked Congress for the timely approval of the proposed PHP6.352 trillion national budget for 2025.
This, after the bicameral conference committee on Wednesday approved the final version of House Bill (HB) 10800 or the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
“We extend our sincerest gratitude to the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives for their unwavering commitment and diligence in passing House Bill 10800 or the FY 2025 General Appropriations Bill on time,” Pangandaman said in a statement.
“Heartfelt thanks to Senate President Chiz Escudero; House Speaker Martin Romualdez; Senate Committee on Finance chairperson, Senator Grace Poe; House Appropriations Committee chairperson Rep. Zaldy Co; and the rest of our esteemed lawmakers for their steadfast support in navigating the complexities of budget formulation and deliberation during the past several months,” she added.
The proposed 2025 national budget ratified by Congress will be sent to Malacañang for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s signature.
Under the proposed 2025 GAB, the Office of the Vice President will get a lower budget of PHP733 million.
Based on the proposed national budget for next year, the allocation for Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) Program was also reduced to PHP26 billion from PHP39 billion.
Pangandaman said the timely passage of the 2025 GAB is vital for maintaining the continuity of government operations and ensuring that essential services can be delivered without interruption.
“We are optimistic that the implementation of the 2025 national budget, which is expected to be signed by the President in the coming weeks, will lead to sustainable growth for our country and for all Filipinos,” she said.
Marcos is expected to sign the 2025 budget plan by December 20, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez said Wednesday. (PNA)