President Marcos has certified the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) as an urgent measure, allowing lawmakers to expedite the passage of the P6.352-trillion national budget on the second and third reading on the same day.

Acting Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed that the President's letter to House Speaker Martin Romualdez was delivered to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 25, the President said he was hoping to sign the budget bill before Christmas.

"I am counting on your (Congress) continued support in passing the 2025 National Budget with our Agenda for Prosperity in mind, before Christmas," he wrote.

"This will fund crucial projects that will uplift the lives of all Filipinos," he added.

In his budget message in July, President Marcos cited the need to maintain the momentum in achieving the country's economic and social transformation as he urged Congress to approve the proposed 2025 national budget.

"Let us stay on track with our Agenda for Prosperity. Let us not lose the momentum for the economic and social transformation of our nation," he had said.

According to the President, the budget was vital in fulfilling the government's duty to the Filipino people, noting that it is anchored on the theme, "Agenda for Prosperity: Fulfilling the Needs and Aspirations of the Filipino People."

"Fulfilling the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people is not only a dream—it is our duty," he said.

"I therefore urge Congress to approve the proposed FY 2025 National Budget, in fulfillment of our duty to the Filipino people as we strive to achieve our dream of a Bagong Pilipinas," he added.

The 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) is equivalent to 22.1 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 10.1 percent higher than the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) worth P5.768 trillion.

In July, Marcos urged Congress to pass the proposed budget as close as possible to the one the Executive Branch carefully crafted.

"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.

The President likewise 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.