House starts debates on P6.352T 2025 budget, cuts VP office funding

The House of Representatives began plenary debates on Monday, September 16, on the proposed P6.352 trillion 2025 national budget.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez thanked the House Committee on Appropriations for completing its hearings and outlined an eight-day debate schedule from September 16 to 25.

The debates will start with a sponsorship speech by Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, followed by discussions on general principles and budgets of key departments such as Finance, Justice, National Economic and Development Authority, judiciary, and lump sums.

On September 23, the budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) will be discussed after the House committee recommended slashing its proposed P2.037 billion budget to only P733.198 million.

The reduced OVP funding will realign money towards social service programs like DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and DOH Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients.