PBBM to hold meetings with CabSecs for extensive review of 2025 budget

BUDGET REVIEW. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets Executive Secretary Bersamin, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan to review the proposed 2025 national budget on Wednesday (Dec. 18, 2024). The ongoing review aims to ensure the proposed budget is aligned with key development priorities. (PCO Photo)

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Filane Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be holding a series of meetings with concerned Cabinet officials, as part of the extensive review of the proposed PHP6.352 trillion 2025 national budget, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez said Wednesday.

This, after Marcos on Wednesday afternoon met with Executive Secretary Bersamin, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan to review the proposed budget plan for next year.

“We’re not yet ready to announce the details,” Chavez said, when asked to provide details about the meeting on the proposed 2025 budget.

“May mga susunod pang meetings (There will be a series of meetings) with some Cabinet members para i-finalize ang recommendations nila (to finalize their recommendations),” he added.

The PCO shared some of the photos taken during the meeting.

In a photo release, the PCO said Marcos and some of the Cabinet members reviewed the 2025 spending plan to “[ensure] alignment with key development priorities.”

Earlier Wednesday, Bersamin said the scheduled signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on Dec. 20 has been pushed back to give Marcos more time for a “rigorous and exhaustive” review of the measure.

Bersamin said there is no final date yet for the signing of the 2025 GAB.

House support

Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co said the House of Representatives supports the President’s decision to delay the signing of the 2025 national budget to allow for a meticulous review of its provisions,

Go, chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, said the postponement also underscores President Marcos’ dedication to transparency and accountability.

“We fully understand and commend President Marcos for his commitment to ensure that the national budget aligns with the country’s priorities,” Co said in a statement. “This approach exemplifies the strength of our democratic processes and the effective system of checks and balances in our government.”

Co said Congress is ready to collaborate with the Executive branch during Malacañang’s review process.

“We stand prepared to work alongside the President to refine the budget, ensuring it serves the best interests of all Filipinos,” Co said.