House to cooperate with Marcos on 2025 budget review – lawmaker

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Photo from the Presidential Communications Office.

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is willing to cooperate with Malacañang in reviewing the 2025 national budget as it supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to convene with top government officials to assess it first, according to Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.

“We stand prepared to work alongside the President to refine the budget, ensuring it serves the best interests of all Filipinos,” Co, chairman of the House appropriations committee, said in a statement on Wednesday night.

“We fully understand and commend President Marcos for his commitment to ensure that the national budget aligns with the country’s priorities. This approach exemplifies the strength of our democratic processes and the effective system of checks and balances in our government,” he added.

Co also said that “By scrutinizing the proposed P6.352-trillion budget, the administration aims to ensure that public funds are allocated efficiently and responsibly.”

READ: Marcos meets with Cabinet officials to review 2025 national budget

On Wednesday, Marcos met with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Socioeconomic Planning SecretaryArsenio Balisacan in Malacañang for the budget review.

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.”

“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,” he added.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez said they are not yet ready to announce the new date of signing the 2025 national budget and other matters related to it.