Dwayne Pelagio

The House of Representatives finally approved House Bill (HB) No. 10800 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) containing the P6.352 Trillion 2025 proposed budget on Sept. 25, a day after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. certified HB No. 10800 as urgent. 

Photo Courtesy of Philippine News Agency.

Shortly after the bill was passed on the second reading, it was approved on its final one. 

The president’s certification of the bill considering it urgent allowed the lawmakers to pass it in the second and third reading on the same day. 

According to the sent later to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero by Marcos on Tuesday, it cited the need to fast-track the passage of the 2025 GAB “to ensure uninterrupted operation of critical government functions, guarantee allocation of fiscal resources for vital initiatives, and enable the government to adeptly respond to emerging challenges.”

The lower chamber approved the 2025 GAB with 285 affirmative votes, 3 negative votes, and zero abstention. 

Before the adjournment of session, Speaker Romualdez gave his speech, commending the House members’ legislative efficiency.

“The House of the people, composed of dedicated public servants has demonstrated their tireless efforts to strengthen the Philippine economy, broadened the range of public service and reinforce the nation’s trust in our governance,” Romualdez said, acknowledging the efforts of the lawmakers in the lower chamber in public service.

“With the eventual approval of the nation’s 2025 not far behind, the national government is more than ready to finance and implement its future initiatives and flagship projects,” he added, citing the country’s readiness to the approval of the 2025 GAB.

Romualdez also highlighted in his speech the impact of these legislative initiatives on the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as it grew by 6.1% in the second quarter, an increase from the 5.8% growth from the previous quarter.

He also stated that with these economic improvements, the Philippines is on its way as one of Asia’s best-performing major emerging economies.

‘Setbacks’

Opposition lawmakers Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel, Gabriela  Representative Arlene Brosas, and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro are the three lawmakers who opposed the approval of the 2025 budget, citing lack of funding for helping the poor and  local agricultural production.

“The national budget should cater to the needs of the people. Hindi magiging sagot ang panukalang budget na hindi kumakalinga sa interes ng mamamayan,” Brosas stated in an interview.

“Hindi ito matutugunan ang lumalalang krisis kung ang batayang pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino ay kulang. The Filipino people needs sufficient budget for health and basic social services. Kailangan natin ng sapat na budget para sa agrikultura at pagkain. We need sufficient budget to develop our own industries. Yan ang gustong matamasa ng taumbayan."

Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel also opposed the approval of the budget, stating that there was no need to rush to pass the bill.

“Hindi naman titigil ang paggana ng gobyerno, at hindi titigil ang mundo, kung hindi natin aaprubahan ngayong araw ang House version ng 2025 national budget. Hindi nagmamadali ang Senado sa pagpasa ng kanilang version. Bakit tayo nagmamadali?” Manuel questioned the urgency of passing the 2025 budget in an interview.

The OVP’s budget reduction had also no escape in Manuel’s statements.

“Pangalawa, Mr. Speaker, NO, dahil hindi sapat na kinaltasan patungong Php 733 million ang proposed budget ng OVP . Mataas pa din po ito given the poor performance ng OVP. The people even want to further slash the OVP budget to its bare minimum,” Manuel added, replying to Speaker Martin Romualdez’ speech before the adjournment of session.

“Third, Mr. Speaker, NO, dahil lagi nating naririnig na kulang ang pera para sa edukasyon at SUCs, para sa kalusugang pisikal at pangkaisipan, at para sa pagharap sa mga kalamidad at iba pang epekto ng pagbabago ng klima.”

The Congress will resume its session on November 4, 2024, while the upper chamber shall read the approved 2025 budget.