SPENDING GUIDE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the 2025 national budget, which he signed in a ceremony in Malacañang on Dec. 30, 2024, underscores the government’s commitment to social services, education, and health. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for the “conscientious utilization” of the P6.326-trillion national budget for 2025.
In his veto message to Congressional leaders on Tuesday, Marcos said his administration aims to ensure that government targets meet the needs of Filipinos while pursuing strategic growth-focused fiscal consolidation.
READ: Marcos signs P6.3 trillion 2025 national budget, vetoes P194 billion
“I call on the conscientious utilization of this budget with the end in mind of sustaining the country’s high-growth trajectory and managing inflation while accelerating the implementation of well-targeted social services and structural reforms geared towards achieving our medium-term goals of reducing poverty incidence, decreasing unemployment rates, and achieving upper middle-income status,” he said.
READ: DBM: 12 programs subject to ‘conditional implementation’ in 2025
On Monday, Marcos approved the country’s budget for next year, vetoing P194-billion line items deemed inconsistent with his administration’s priorities.
This includes approximately P26 billion for programs and projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways and P168 billion in unprogrammed appropriations.
The education sector received the largest portion of the 2025 budget, with funding amounting to P1.055 trillion.
It was followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways with P1.007 trillion.
Meanwhile, 12 programs, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, are subject to “conditional implementation.”
In a press briefing after the ceremonial signing, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman explained that items under “conditional implementation” would require issuing guidelines or compliance with relevant laws, policies, and regulations.