THE House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, tackled on Tuesday the proposed budgets of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Commission of Audit (COA) for 2025.
Committee senior vice chairperson and Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, in support to the proposed P27.15 billion DFA budget for next year, urged the DFA to always adhere to rules-based world order and peaceful dialogue, highlighting the importance of diplomacy in addressing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“We need to prioritize climate diplomacy, advocating for stronger global commitments to reduce carbon emissions,” Quimbo added.
She also called for investments in cybersecurity and international cooperation to combat transnational crime. She stressed the DFA’s role in protecting Filipino workers abroad.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo outlined the budgetary priorities for 2025 focusing on national security, economic security and assistance to Filipinos abroad.
He emphasized the DFA’s role in protecting national sovereignty and strengthening international relations. The budget will also support efforts to accelerate climate action, support initiatives to protect Overseas Filipinos, enhance consular services and campaign for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat.
Preparations for the 2026 ASEAN chairmanship and retrofitting DFA headquarters were also noted.
“Your support would go a long way in ensuring the fulfillment of our mandate,” Manalo said.
The appropriations committee likewise tackled the proposed 2025 budget of COA amounting to P13.417 billion.
Quimbo asked about COA findings on the Pasig-Marikina Flood Control project, which involves the construction of flood gates at the Cainta and Taytay Rivers, and other improvements in Marikina River.
COA chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba reported that in 2019 the Philippine government signed a P33-billion agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the project’s Phase 4, scheduled for completion in 2025.
However, COA’s audit revealed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) failed to efficiently implement the consultancy and civil works contracts, resulting in negative slippages ranging from 8.29% to 17.94% and increased project costs.
Pursuant to its oversight functions, the panel also directed COA to submit the audit report of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the use of its confidential funds for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, as well as the 2023 audit report of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Committee vice chairperson and Nueva Ecija Rep. Joseph Gilbert Violago presided over the budget hearings for the two agencies.
