SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on Monday said the proposed P6.352 trillion national budget for 2025 is the “best tool” to sustain economic growth and benefit all Filipinos.
At the start of the budget deliberations, Romualdez said Congress would ensure that every peso in next year’s capital outlay is judiciously allocated and spent by prioritizing programs and initiatives that will contribute to national goals and the well-being of citizens.
“The budget is the best tool we have to ensure that our people, especially the poor, feel the tangible benefits of our economic achievements,” he said.
“It is through the careful and strategic allocation of resources that we can ensure every citizen has a stake in the country’s development.”
The budget would serve as a bridge that connects economic success with the people.
“It is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and equity, ensuring that the progress we make as a nation is shared by all,” Romualdez said.
Top of the spending priority list is education with an allocation of PHP977.6 billion, followed by public works with PHP900 billion, health with PHP297.6 billion, interior and local government with PHP278.4 billion, defense with PHP256.1 billion, social welfare with PHP230.1 billion, agriculture with PHP211.3 billion, transportation with PHP180.9 billion, judiciary with PHP63.6 billion, and justice with PHP40.6 billion.
Appropriations Committee chairperson Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co urged his colleagues to approve a budget that “not only meets the immediate needs of our constituents but also lays the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity consistent with our vision in Ambition 2040.”
“Our duty is to ensure that our nation’s financial resources are allocated effectively and responsibly to meet the needs and aspirations of our people,” Co said.
He said the 2025 budget could help more Filipinos hurdle the poverty threshold, especially after government action that brought down rice tariff to 15 percent starting July 16 this year from 35 percent.
