
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Republic Act 12116, a record-breaking P6.326 trillion national budget for 2025. The signing ceremony occurred at MalacaƱang Palace on December 30, 2024, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.
The 2025 budget, initially proposed at P6.352 trillion, was meticulously reviewed and reduced by P194 billion. President Marcos exercised his veto power on these line items, deeming them inconsistent with the administration’s priority programs. The vetoed items included P26.065 billion worth of projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and P168.240 billion allocated under “Unprogrammed Appropriations.”
During the signing ceremony, President Marcos emphasized the importance of aligning the budget with the country’s development plan and the needs of the Filipino people. “We take our role as stewards of our taxpayers’ money seriously. After a thorough review, we have directly vetoed over P194 billion line items inconsistent with our programmed priorities,” he stated.
The 2025 budget aims to address key priorities, including infrastructure development, education, and health sectors. The education sector received the highest allocation, with P1.055 trillion spread across various educational institutions and programs. This includes the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and state universities and colleges.
The DPWH, despite the vetoed projects, still received a substantial allocation of P1.007 trillion. Other significant allocations include the Department of National Defense with P315.1 billion, the Department of the Interior and Local Government with P279.1 billion, the Department of Health with P267.8 billion, and the Department of Agriculture with P237.4 billion.
President Marcos highlighted the administration’s commitment to social services, particularly education and health, alongside economic services and infrastructure development. The budget also prioritizes green investment and disaster preparedness, aiming to enhance resilience against natural calamities.
The President assured the public that the government would exercise maximum prudence in fiscal management, ensuring all budget increases and new appropriations undergo cash programming, compliance with budget execution rules, and approval by concerned offices. “This approach guarantees that the programs and projects are properly implemented and redound to the benefit of the Filipino people,” he added.
The signing of the 2025 budget represents a significant step forward in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to building a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines). With the substantial funding allocated to key sectors, the government aims to sustain economic growth and improve the lives of future generations.