THE House of Representatives is looking at September 1 as the start of formal deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget, with initial preparations already underway despite the slightly delayed calendar.
“Our target po natin DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee) ay September 1,” said Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations.
She noted that while the submission of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress is tentatively expected by next week or August 13, several intermediary steps still need to take place before the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) is formally filed.
Suansing explained that although the budget hearings this year may begin later than in previous cycles, the committee has already lined up preliminary activities.
“May intermediate activities din po tayo bago magsimula yung aktwal na deliberation sa September 1,” she said.
“Habang pong hinihintay natin ‘yung pag-file ng mismong GAB ay gagawin na po natin ‘yung initial engagement natin, yung tinatawag natin na People’s Budget Review,” she added.
Asked whether the proposed schedule marks a delay compared to past budget deliberations, Suansing clarified that it is consistent with timelines followed in previous years when the session began after an election.
“Iba po kasi talaga ‘yung calendar natin sa tuwing una siya ng term. Ang pwede po natin i-compare ay ngayon, deliberasyon natin and 2022,” she said.
Suansing said that the slight shift is due to the congressional calendar, since the regular session of Congress had yet to convene when the NEP calendar was being finalized.
Despite the timing, Suansing assured that the committee is confident of meeting its deadline.
“Kaya naman po. As usual marami lang pong mga gabi na hindi kami pwedeng matulog. Hindi lang gabi, ilang linggo,” she said.
“But we will get the budget passed on time po. And very strongly deliberated on. Yun po yung mahalaga,” she continued.
As in previous years, the appropriations committee is planning to hold simultaneous budget hearings to accelerate the process.
“Ang atin pong tinitingnan para magawa po natin yan, yung mga Vice Chairs po natin sabay-sabay po yan, simultaneous committee hearings sa iba’t-ibang mga ahensya,” Suansing explained.
This strategy of parallel deliberations allows the committee to cover more ground within a tight legislative window, particularly during a first regular session when time is often constrained by other priority measures.
Suansing said the House will continue engaging in early consultations even before the DBCC briefing.
“Ang goal natin, habang pong hinihintay natin yung pag-file ng mismong GAB ay gagawin na po natin yung initial engagement natin,” she said.
These early activities are part of what she described as a “People’s Budget Review,” aimed at gathering broader input from stakeholders and experts.
She also acknowledged the heavy workload expected in the coming weeks.
“Ngayon nga po kausap ko yung ating secretariat sa Appro at mukhang dalawang buwan po yata kami hindi matutulog,” Suansing said.
Despite the looming challenge, Suansing expressed full confidence that the House will complete its task before the end of the year.
“We will get the budget done on time. And we will make sure na this is very strongly deliberated on,” Suansing said
