Congress finalizes PHP6.352T 2025 budget

The bicameral conference committee of Congress finalized a report on the PHP6.352 trillion 2025 national budget.

Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez praised the joint effort in crafting the budget, emphasizing the importance of balancing additions and reductions to align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision for 'Bagong Pilipinas'.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman thanked Congress for the timely approval of the proposed PHP6.352 trillion national budget.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III objected due to concerns over PhilHealth funding cuts and an increase in unprogrammed funds.

The proposed 2025 national budget, which includes a lower allocation for the Office of the Vice President and reduced funding for the AKAP Program, will be sent to Malacañang for President Marcos's signature, expected by December 20.