In his veto message to Congress, President Marcos emphasized the importance of ensuring that government spending addresses the most pressing needs of Filipinos. Among the vetoed items were flood control structures and drainage systems, along with other public works projects totaling more than P26 billion.
The President stressed the need to focus resources on ready-to-implement projects, as recommended by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan. This approach aims to streamline government priorities and avoid allocating funds to projects lacking immediate feasibility.
Unprogrammed appropriations and conditional programs
Marcos also rejected unprogrammed appropriations amounting to P168.24 billion. These included funding for social welfare, public health emergencies, and infrastructure flagship projects. The President argued that expenditures must align with programmed resources to maintain fiscal responsibility.
Meanwhile, 12 programs were placed under conditional implementation. These include initiatives for disaster risk reduction, social housing, and agriculture, which will require specific rules before funds are disbursed. This conditionality ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Public reaction: Mixed views on veto decisions
Speaker Martin Romualdez praised the budget’s approval, calling it a step toward national development and fiscal discipline. He highlighted its alignment with the administration’s agenda to improve the quality of life for Filipinos.
However, critics like Makabayan President Liza Maza expressed disappointment, accusing the budget of perpetuating the same issues as previous years. Maza argued that the lack of support for strategic national industrialization and sustainable development programs undermines long-term progress.
Key allocations in the 2025 budget
Despite the vetoed items, the P6.352-trillion budget includes significant allocations for education, healthcare, and social services. For instance, P634 million has been earmarked for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and support for learners with disabilities, ensuring access to affordable education for underserved communities.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian noted the importance of these programs in addressing educational disparities and empowering marginalized groups. The budget also includes funding for disaster preparedness, housing initiatives, and infrastructure development, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing national priorities.
The road ahead: Balancing priorities and fiscal discipline
The 2025 budget underscores the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing the immediate needs of the population. However, the challenge remains in balancing these priorities with long-term development goals.
As stakeholders debate the implications of the vetoed projects and allocations, the focus must remain on maximizing the impact of public spending. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in budget implementation will be crucial in achieving the administration’s goals of reducing poverty, managing inflation, and fostering sustainable growth.
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.