HOUSE Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Zaldy Co today (December 30, 2024) praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing the 2025 national budget into law.
In a statement, Co expressed gratitude to the President, his colleagues in the House of Representatives, and Senate counterparts for ensuring the budget’s timely approval.
“We prioritized the early passage of this measure to prevent a reenacted budget,” Co said. “This underscores our commitment to using the power of the purse and crafting a budget aligned with the administration’s 8-point agenda,” he added.
The P6.326-trillion budget prioritizes key sectors:
• Education: P1.053 trillion
• Public Works: P1.007 trillion
• Health sector: P268 billion
• Agriculture sector (including DAR & NIA) : P237 billion
These allocations aim to boost social services, infrastructure development, and food security, Co added.
President Marcos exercised his veto power over P194 billion in proposed spending, including certain allocations for the Department of Public Works and Highways and unprogrammed appropriations.
“We respect the President’s constitutional prerogative and judgment,” Co said. “Congress remains committed to working closely with the executive branch.”
He also stressed Congress’s oversight role, pledging to ensure the efficient and effective use of public funds for the benefit of Filipinos.
The 2025 budget’s timely enactment reflects the government’s unified effort to advance its development agenda and address the nation’s pressing needs, he added.
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