The House of Representatives is on track to pass the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for fiscal year 2025 on its third and final reading this Wednesday, September 25. Speaker Martin Romualdez emphasized the urgency of approving the budget while maintaining transparency.
Romualdez explained that the House aims to complete the process before Congress goes on recess next weekend, allowing the Senate ample time for its own deliberations and approval process. “We have sufficient time to finally agree on the budget before yearend. It is the most important piece of legislation Congress passes every year,” he said.
The House has already approved the funding for key agencies such as the Department of Finance, Department of Justice, National Economic and Development Authority, judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman, and several others. Deliberations on the budgets for the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and other critical agencies are set to take place from Monday to Wednesday.
The 2025 budget will support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Agenda for Prosperity programs, aimed at sustaining economic development and funding social protection initiatives, infrastructure projects, and financial assistance programs.
Before the final approval, the House will hear remarks against the proposal and review suggested amendments through a small committee.