President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on government agencies to exercise prudence and responsibility in utilizing the 2025 national budget, emphasizing its role in sustaining economic growth and addressing the country’s pressing needs.
On Monday, Marcos signed the P6.326-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) into law after vetoing P194 billion in line items deemed inconsistent with his administration’s priorities. The original budget proposal was set at P6.352 trillion.
In Tuesday’s veto message, Marcos stressed that the 2025 budget reflects the “liberal exercise of Congress’ power of the purse.” He urged agencies to ensure the efficient and impactful use of funds.
“I call on the conscientious utilization of this budget with the end in mind of sustaining the country’s high-growth trajectory, managing inflation, and accelerating the implementation of well-targeted social services and structural reforms,” Marcos stated.
He outlined the government’s medium-term goals of reducing poverty, decreasing unemployment, and achieving upper-middle-income status, adding that responsible fiscal management is critical to realizing these objectives.
Commitment to fiscal responsibility
Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reforms in public financial management, procurement processes, and digitalization to enhance transparency and efficiency in public service.
“We must pursue a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to deliver effective and transparent governance,” he said. “While we have made significant progress, we still have a long journey toward achieving a truly inclusive, sustainable, and future-proof economy.”
The President emphasized the need for strategic, growth-focused spending to maximize the impact of finite resources while ensuring fiscal sustainability.
“While we aspire to address all the needs of our people immediately, we are compelled to exercise sound judgment and prioritize programs that yield the greatest benefit without compromising our financial future,” he explained.
Marcos’ vetoes included PHP26.065 billion allocated to projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and PHP168.240 billion designated for unprogrammed appropriations.
Additionally, the President subjected several programs, such as the Ayuda Para sa Kapos Ang Kita Program, to conditional implementation. These programs will require the concerned agencies to issue detailed guidelines to ensure compliance with existing laws, policies, and regulations.
A call for unity and focus
Marcos highlighted the importance of collaboration among all sectors of society to achieve the country’s development goals.
“The shared goal of a sustainable and inclusive future must drive our collective efforts. Let us ensure that every peso allocated in this budget directly benefits the Filipino people and supports our vision for national progress,” he concluded.
The 2025 GAA reflects the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and strategic investment, setting the stage for continued growth and development in the years to come.