Marcos meets with Cabinet officials to review 2025 national budget

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convenes with Executive Secretary Bersamin, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan in Malacañang on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, to review the 2025 national budget. (Photo courtesy of PCO)

MANILA, Philippines —  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened with top government officials on Wednesday to review the 2025 national budget, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

Marcos met with Executive Secretary Bersamin, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan in Malacañang.

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In a message sent to Palace reporters, PCO Secretary Cesar Chavez said they are not yet ready to announce details regarding the new signing date and other matters related to the 2025 national budget.

“May mga susunod pang meetings with some Cabinet members para i-finalize ang recommendations nila,” he said.

(There will be following meetings with some Cabinet members to finalize their recommendations.)

Earlier in the day, Bersamin said the scheduled signing of the General Appropriations Act on Friday, December 20, would not push through to allow for a more “rigorous and exhaustive review.”

He added that “certain items and provisions of the national budget bill will be vetoed in the interest of public welfare, to conform with the fiscal program, and in compliance with laws.”