President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude on Monday, December 30, 2024, for the Filipinos who closely reviewed and voiced concerns over the contentious provisions of the 2025 national budget. Marcos acknowledged the public’s active role in scrutinizing the proposed budget and pointed out that the feedback helped shape the final version.
Public Scrutiny Drives Changes in the Budget
In a statement, Marcos emphasized the importance of the public’s engagement, saying that their criticisms and observations regarding discrepancies between the budget proposed by Congress and the President’s initial plan were considered. “We are listening to you,” he assured the Filipino people. This interaction between the government and citizens led to revisions, with vetoed provisions now part of the General Appropriations Act, which will soon be passed into law.
Marcos revealed that even during the holiday season, his team worked diligently to analyze the concerns raised by the public and make necessary adjustments. The final version of the budget reflects these deliberations, with an assurance that the government’s programs will continue and expand, especially those aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
The Role of Public Feedback in the National Budget
The public’s role in shaping the national budget has been increasingly recognized as an essential element of democratic governance. This year, debates and feedback over spending priorities—ranging from infrastructure to social services—have sparked vigorous discussions. The criticisms mainly focused on the allocation of funds, with some sectors expressing concerns about the impact of specific provisions on ordinary Filipinos.
On social media, netizens reacted with a mix of support and skepticism:
- “@ProudPinoy_2024: It’s great that the people are being heard, but will it really make a difference?”
- “@PhilippinesVoter: Appreciate the transparency, but I wonder if all vetoed items will actually benefit us.”
- “@FilipinoInsight: It’s nice to see some adjustments, but let’s wait for the final results!”
- “@ConcernedCitizenPH: Hope this leads to more accountability and not just lip service.”
- “@PoliticalWatchPH: Watching this closely. Hope the vetoes don’t just cater to special interests.”
- “@TruePinoyVoice: It’s a step forward, but I expect the government to deliver on their promises.”
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.