Zubiri: Solving rows in nat’l budget will avoid legal complaints in SC

Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri (File photo from BIBO NUEVA ESPAÑA)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri is hoping that the contentious provisions in the 2025 national budget bill will be addressed before it gets signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

In a text message to reporters on Wednesday, Zubiri said concerns that must be addressed include the reduced funding of the Department of Education’s computerization program and the zero funding for Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Inc. (PhilHealth).

“That would help stave off possible legal action in the Supreme Court which might render a decision declaring the budget unconstitutional and, therefore, delay its implementation and effectivity,” said Zubiri.

Marcos is set to sign into law on December 30 the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) containing the proposed P6.3 trillion budget.

The signing of the GAA was initially scheduled for December 19 or 20 but this action was deferred since the measure was still being assessed by the president.

According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, certain items and provisions of the national budget bill will be vetoed in the interest of public welfare.

READ: Imee Marcos: President Marcos to sign 2025 budget bill on Dec. 30

Though Bersamin did not detail which provision will be vetoed, Marcos previously explained that the proposed cut from the DepEd’s computerization program was “contrary to the policy direction” of his administration on education.

The chief executive is committed to restore the P10 billion that was slashed from the proposed funding of the DepEd.