Congress assures timely passage of proposed 2025 nat’l budget

Senate President Francis Escudero and Speaker Martin Romualdez assured the timely passage of House Bill 10800, the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), which outlines the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025.

Romualdez, during a Palace briefing, confirmed that the GAB would be submitted for third and final reading by Wednesday night (last week), making it ready for swift transmission to the Senate.

Escudero stated that the Senate is awaiting the approved version of the GAB to begin deliberations on the 2025 national budget. “The Senate hearings are on schedule, and we expect the budget to be approved with enough time for the President to review line items and enact it into law before the year ends,” he explained.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has certified the 2025 national budget as urgent, enabling lawmakers to fast-track its passage through second and third readings.

The proposed budget will be allocated to various financial assistance and social protection programs, ensuring the equitable distribution of economic gains. It will also fund key infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, seaports, airports, irrigation systems, and transportation networks.