MANILA – The delayed signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) underscored the importance of checks and balances in the legislative process, senators emphasized on Wednesday.
Senate President Francis Escudero said the delay reflects the constitutional prerogatives of the Executive Branch, which includes reviewing and making line-item vetoes in the proposed budget.
“This is part of the legislative process and the system of checks and balances in our Constitution. The Executive is well within its rights and prerogatives to review, study, and make line-item vetoes— as is usually done every year with the General Appropriations Bill— especially given its length, complexity, and detail,” Escudero said in a statement.
Senator Grace Poe echoed Escudero’s sentiments, describing the review as a “hallmark 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. I believe his economic managers are giving the President the best advice possible given the situation,” Poe said.
Poe likewise underscored the GAA’s critical role in shaping the country’s economic future, calling it the “most important piece of legislation” for ensuring economic stability and driving GDP growth in 2025.
Legislative leaders remain optimistic the budget will be signed before the year ends to avoid a reenacted budget scenario.
Malacañang pushed back the target date for the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to give President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. more time for a “rigorous and exhaustive” review of the measure. (PNA)