After two weeks of intensive deliberations, the House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, approved on the third and final reading House Bill No. 10800, or the proposed FY 2025 General Appropriations Bill. This marks the fulfillment of their promise to pass this crucial piece of legislation before Congress takes a short break.
The proposed P6.352 trillion national budget, themed “Agenda for Prosperity: Fulfilling the Needs and Aspirations of the Filipino People,” centers on uplifting social services and fostering economic growth. With an overwhelming vote of 285-3, the House prioritized funding for job creation, quality education, expanded healthcare, and social protection.
The approval of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) came after just eight session days, a record-breaking pace, during which the House members meticulously examined the budgets of all government departments, agencies, and corporations to ensure every centavo would be allocated wisely toward the nation’s urgent priorities and impactful programs.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed pride in the swift approval of the GAB. In his adjournment speech, he commended the House’s dedication, saying, “I am proud to emphasize the impressive performance of the House of Representatives to safeguard our nation’s interests. You have consistently displayed enthusiasm, fairness, and thorough scrutiny of the budget, which led to the prompt approval of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill on third and final reading.”
He added, “Nagawa natin ang trabaho para busisiin ang 2025 national budget. Natapos natin ito sa takdang oras, kahit abutin ng umaga, hindi tayo tumigil para masiguro na nagawa natin ang ating tungkulin.”
The Speaker emphasized that with the impending enactment of the 2025 budget, the government stands ready to finance and implement future initiatives and flagship projects. “We remain true to our objective to pursue an agenda for prosperity, and enable every Filipino to directly experience and equitably share in the gains brought by our collective and solid efforts,” he stated.
During the “turno en contra” before the final reading of HB 10800, Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan acknowledged the efforts of the executive branch in driving the country’s economic growth and progress. He praised his fellow lawmakers for their exhaustive deliberations and cooperation, saying, “May I laud the members of the minority for their exhaustive interpellation of the agencies, and also for the patience of the majority in defending the budget proposal.”
The three Makabayan Coalition representatives however, were the only three negative votes as 285 congresspersons, led by the president’s cousin, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, approved House Bill 10800 or the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel questioned why the HOR had to hurriedly approve the proposed budget when the Senate is taking its time to approve its version.
Both houses of Congress have to approve their respective versions of the GAB and unify them in bicameral sessions before the bills become the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Manuel also said the reduction in the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President to PHP 733 million is insufficient given its poor performance.
“The people even want to further slash the OVP budget to its bare minimum,” he said.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said the approved bill still pays low priority to social services such as housing and education.
The women’s representative also criticized the insufficient funding to improve the country’s agricultural production and it fails to address anomalies in flood control projects worth hundreds of billions.
A small committee was subsequently created to handle all individual amendments to HB 10800. This committee comprises Appropriations Chairperson Elizaldy Co, Senior Vice Chairperson Stella Luz Quimbo (for the majority), Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe (for the Committee on Rules), and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan.
Rep. Janet Garin urged House members to submit their proposed amendments to the small committee by Friday, Sept. 27. Additionally, President Marcos, in his letter dated Sept. 24, 2024, certified the urgency of enacting HB 10800 to ensure the continuous operation of critical government functions and to guarantee resources for vital initiatives.
Speaker Romualdez reaffirmed the House’s commitment to spending the national budget wisely and effectively, emphasizing, “As stewards of the people’s trust, it is the House’s duty to ensure that the national budget is spent wisely, effectively, and with absolute accountability, especially since it is designed to address the urgent needs of the Filipino people.”