President Marcos has urged Congress to pass the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) as quickly and as close to their proposal as possible to build on the economic gains that the country has earned over the past year.

Marcos said this as he delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22.

In his 82-minute speech, the President noted how the country could weather the different challenges it faced, particularly the economic challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

With this, Marcos urged Congress to pass the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget as close as possible to the one that the Executive Branch crafted with care.

"Building on these, and guided by strong fiscal discipline, our proposed government budget for this year was crafted with utmost care, diligence, and meticulous attention," he said.

"We look to the cooperation of our colleagues in the Legislature, not only that our proposed National Budget be approved in your usual timely manner, but that it be adhered to as closely as possible," he added.

Meanwhile, President Marcos asked the different government agencies to spend their funds wisely and for the benefit of the people.

"We expect all agencies to ensure that every centavo allocated will be judiciously spent for our urgent priorities and socially impactful programs," he said.

In an Instagram post early this month, President Marcos summarized the 2025 NEP in two words— "Filipinos first!"— as the proposed budget aims to create jobs, tackle rising prices, and reduce poverty.

"With our approved 2025 budget, we're investing in what matters most — creating jobs, strengthening healthcare, and expanding infrastructure," he said.

"Our goal is to tackle rising prices and reduce poverty, ensuring every Filipino benefits from our growing economy," he added.