Senators Imee Marcos, Zubiri criticize 2025 budget lack of transparency

Two senators, including Sen. Imee Marcos, criticized the lack of transparency in changes made to the proposed 2025 national budget.

Marcos stated she was unaware of specific line items and did not sign the bicam report due to insufficient information, raising concerns over the process that led to the ratification on December 11.

In a privilege speech at the Senate plenary on Wednesday, Marcos highlighted her disappointment with the lack of detail and explanation provided during the bicameral conference committee meetings and the subsequent viva voce voting process.

She questioned the validity of the ratification given that the final version of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill was still being finalized at the time.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri echoed Marcos's sentiments, expressing frustration over significant cuts to education revealed only during the ratification vote.

Senate panel chair Sen. Grace Poe defended the budget approval process, emphasizing careful decision-making within financial constraints and highlighting continued support for education.

Marcos urged President Bongbong Marcos to scrutinize the budget further before signing it, citing the need for transparency and reorganization by legislators.