Senate aims to approve P6.352-trillion GAB by Dec 11

Senate President Chiz Escudero expects the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for the 2025 national funding to be approved by December 11 at the latest, in time for submission to Malacañang before Congress adjourns.

Escudero anticipates bicameral conference committee deliberations lasting two weeks and aims to start plenary debate on the proposed P6.352-trillion budget by November 6.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Grace Poe stated that the House of Representatives is set to transmit its version of the GAB by October 25, with Senate committee deliberations wrapping up by October 18.

The Budget department has reduced proposed budgets for agriculture, health, and social welfare sectors by 4.7%, 7.6%, and 3.4% respectively under the 2025 National Expenditure Program.