LAWMAKERS on Wednesday welcomed and respected the decision of the Office of the President (OP) to hold off the President’s approval of the proposed P6.352 trillion national government budget for 2025.
“Ito ay nagpapatunay na sensitive and ating Pangulo sa panawagan ng taongbayan,” Rep. Geraldine Roman said, adding the decision to reduce the budget allocations for the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for 2025 had justifications.
Roman noted the clamor from many sectors in society who may not fully understand the rationale or the reasons behind for such budget allocations to the DepEd and the PhilHealth. She also said that Congress recognizes the power of the President to veto certain items from the proposed 2025 budget bill.
“I don’t think that Congress will even question yung veto power ng ating Pangulo, and they will just look into the specific items that the President wants reviewed,” Roman said.
“The good thing, under this administration, people are free to express what they want to say without fear, and we can work on things and we can work for the improvement of our national budget,” Roman added.
Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre described the OP’s review of the 2025 budget as normal. He mentioned that both Houses of Congress have already ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the 2025 budget.
He added however, that it is the President’s duty to execute the budget.
“His wisdom as well as his priorities will play a big role,” Acidre said
He echoed Roman’s commendation of the administration for promoting free speech.
“Ang Kongreso ay nakikinig, ang Pangulo ng Pilipinas ay nakikinig at sa patuloy po na ugnayan ng dalawang sangay ng ating gobyerno, we all hope and I’m sure Congress and the President are one in providing a budget that will not only address the needs of Filipinos but also satisfy the need to ensure efficiency in public service and public spending,” Acidre said.
