Because of items that are not clear or lack proper documentation, President Marcos promised yesterday to review what he called "insertions" in the proposed national budget for 2025 to ensure that basic programs have adequate protection and adequate funding.
Marcos said the responsibility rests with the executive branch to "regain control of the spending program," as all he has left is the veto power after lawmakers finish deliberating on the P6.352-trillion budget for the next that year.
“We had to look at the changes because a lot has changed from the budget requests of different departments. We need to return it to the original form we first requested. Unfortunately, now, all I have left is the power of veto because bicam is over. It has been approved by the House and the Senate," the President said in an interview at the Villamor Air Base.
“Now, it's up to us how we can regain control of the spending program. We are going through it one by one, line by line, to know which is a priority and which is not,” he added.
Marcos also said that he cannot yet say when the spending bill will be enacted because some items still need to be clarified. Approval of the 2025 budget was due today, but has been postponed while economic managers investigate it.
However, the President remains positive that the budget will be enacted before the end of the year.
"I can't give the exact date yet because we need to be sure that the budget for 2025 is dedicated to important projects that are our priority," he said.
"Secondly, we want to ensure that there is stronger protection for the expenditure of various programs, so we may examine the projects that are included or the 'insertions,'" added Marcos.
The original budget request did not include the insertions. What will happen to them? Are they really necessary? Maybe not everything is necessary and can be postponed. We have seen proposals that do not have a proper program of work or proper documentation. It is not clear where the funds will go. These are the things that need to be clarified," he emphasized.
Marcos also denied the possibility of returning the proposed budget to Congress. "It's over in Congress... So it's up to us to look at the items and determine which ones are appropriate, important, and priorities," said the President.
