Senate wraps up 13-hour budget debate, trims NIA funding

The Senate concluded its marathon plenary debates on the proposed 2025 national budget early Wednesday morning after a 13-hour session.

Senators discussed funding for several key agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, and others.

Among the highlights were the retention of the Office of the Vice President's P733-million budget and the deletion of the controversial Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program.

The Senate also recommended removing more than P50 billion worth of 'lump sum increases' in the proposed funding for the National Irrigation Administration for 2025.

Senate President Francis Escudero stated that they aim to transmit the consolidated budget measure to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval by early December.

The proposed 2025 national budget is projected to be 10.1 percent higher than the current year's budget of P5.768 trillion.