(Left) Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo (Facebook)

Leaders of the Committee on Appropriations have called on their colleagues in the House of Representatives to prioritize the immediate passage of the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025.

Committee Chairperson Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and Senior Vice Chairperson Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo formally endorsed on Monday, Sept. 16, House Bill (HB) No. 10800, or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), to the plenary.

In his sponsorship speech, Co reminded House members on the significance of scrutinizing the budget as part of Congress’ power of the purse.

"Bilang kinatawan ng taumbayan, tungkulin nating tiyakin na ang yaman ng pamahalaan ay nakatalaga nang wasto, patas, at mahusay,” he said.

(As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that government resources are properly, fairly, and efficiently allocated.)

Co emphasized that the proposed budget guarantees funding of public programs and projects. He said this ensures the delivery of essential services while also supporting economic and social growth.

“Pinopondohan nito ang mga pampublikong programa at proyekto. Tinitiyak ang epektibong paghahatid ng mahahalagang serbisyo. At itinataguyod ang pag-unlad ng pambansang ekonomiya at lipunan,” he noted.

(It funds public programs and projects. Ensures effective delivery of essential services. And pursuing the development of the national economy and society.)

Based on the proposed 2025 national budget, the key focus areas include human and social development, job creation, and improving the country’s infrastructure and governance.

The GAB for next year likewise supports the “legacy projects” of President Marcos which focuses on specialty hospitals, food security, and housing for the poor.

"Nakasentro ang atensyon ng pamahalaan na tiyaking may maayos tayong mga ospital para alagaan ang mga Pilipino, may sapat tayong pagkain, at may disenteng tirahan,” noted Co.

(The government's attention is focused on making sure that we have proper hospitals to take care of Filipinos, enough food, and decent housing.)

'Book of solutions'

Meanwhile, Quimbo stressed that the national budget is “not just a collection of numbers”,  but rather a “comprehensive plan” to address the challenges faced by Filipino families every day.

“I stand before you today, not just as a public servant, but as a fellow Filipino, fully aware of the daily challenges our people face—the high cost of basic needs, especially rice and electricity, to unforeseen events such as illness, death, and job loss that can easily push a family into poverty,” she said in her sponsorship speech.

Quimbo described the budget as a “book of solutions” designed to uplift the lives of Filipinos by addressing critical issues.

The Marikina solon noted that among these “solutions” is the P211.3-billion allocation for the agriculture sector. She said the funding is aimed at ensuring food security by supporting farmers and ensuring sufficient and affordable food for all.

She also cited the P253.378 billion earmarked for social assistance programs, which are designed to support families in crisis.

Quimbo, an economist, said the 2025 GAB was crafted to ensure the country’s growth trajectory while ensuring that the benefits reach the most vulnerable sectors of society.

She pointed to the 6.3 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth the country has already achieved in the first half of 2024, which she says was driven by sound fiscal management.

“Sama-sama nating isusulong ang badyet na magbibigay ng pag-asa at progreso,” Quimbo said.

(Together let’s push for a budget that will bring hope and progress.)

The lower chamber is expected to approve the proposed budget for next year on third and final reading by Wednesday, Sept. 25.