President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to sign the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) into law on December 30, following commemorative events for Rizal Day, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) acting Secretary Cesar Chavez.
In a message to Palace reporters on Tuesday, Chavez confirmed that the signing ceremony will finalize the proposed ₱6.352 trillion national budget, which will become the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Initially, President Marcos planned to approve the budget before Christmas. However, he deferred the signing for a more thorough review of its provisions. The Palace received the printed copy of the 2025 GAB on December 20, prompting the President to hold a series of consultations with his Cabinet to scrutinize the spending plan.
“The President wanted more time to ensure the budget addresses critical and priority projects,” Chavez explained, noting that Congress had made significant amendments to the proposal.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of aligning the national budget with his administration’s development agenda, underscoring his commitment to a spending plan that prioritizes infrastructure, social services, and economic recovery initiatives.
The 2025 GAA will serve as the government’s blueprint for funding programs and projects designed to spur growth and improve the quality of life for Filipinos. By taking additional time to review the budget, the President aims to ensure fiscal responsibility and strategic allocation of resources.
The signing of the 2025 GAA marks a crucial step in advancing the administration’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development in the coming year.