House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

President Marcos' "timely signing" of the P6.352-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) or national budget for 2025 "ensures uninterrupted government operations while addressing the nation’s most pressing priorities".

Thus, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who on Monday morning personally witnessed the signing at Malacañang of the 2025 GAA along with Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

"Today marks a significant milestone as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signs the P6.326-trillion [GAA] for 2025—a budget that reflects our shared commitment to uplifting the lives of every Filipino and securing a brighter future for all," Romualdez said.

"The President’s timely signing of this spending plan ensures uninterrupted government operations while addressing the nation’s most pressing priorities. This decisive action prevents a reenacted budget and strengthens our resolve to achieve the country’s national development goals," noted the Leyte 1st district congressman.

According to Romualdez, the House of Representatives, which he leads, takes pride in its significant contribution to the development of this budget, particularly in ensuring it is fiscally sound and aligned with the needs and aspirations of our citizens.

"This reflects our commitment to transparent, accountable governance focused on delivering meaningful results," he said.

"This budget represents the efficient and responsible use of resources, balancing fiscal discipline with the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all Filipinos. It is a critical step toward sustained growth and national development," underscored the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president.

"We thank President Marcos for his leadership and our colleagues in Congress for their hard work. This budget reflects our united effort to ensure that government programs truly serve the people," Romualdez said.

For his part, House Committee on Appropriations Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co thanked President Marcos and his lawmaker-colleagues in Congress for preventing a reenacted budget for 2025.

“We prioritized the early passage of this measure to prevent a reenacted budget. This underscores our commitment to using the power of the purse and crafting a budget aligned with the administration’s 8-point agenda," Co said in a separate statement.

On Monday morning or just two days before the turn of the year, President Marcos signed the budget measure into law.

Co said the P6.326-trillion budget prioritizes key sectors:

• Education: P1.053 trillion

• Public Works: P1.007 trillion

• Health sector: P268 billion

• Agriculture sector (including DAR & NIA) : P237 billion

These allocations aim to boost social services, infrastructure development, and food security, Co added.

President Marcos exercised his veto power over P194 billion in proposed spending, including certain allocations for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and unprogrammed appropriations.

“We respect the President’s constitutional prerogative and judgment,” Co said. “Congress remains committed to working closely with the executive branch.”

The appropriations chief also stressed Congress’s oversight role, and pledged to ensure the efficient and effective use of public funds for the benefit of Filipinos.

The 2025 budget’s timely enactment reflects the government’s unified effort to advance its development agenda and address the nation’s pressing needs, Co added.