House appropriations body urges swift passage of 2025 budget

LEADERS of the House Committee on Appropriations formally endorsed the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 to the plenary on Monday, marking the beginning of crucial debates on the government’s fiscal priorities for the upcoming year.

Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, Chair of the committee, and Senior Vice Chair Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, led the call for the swift approval of House Bill No. 10800 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), following six weeks of extensive budget hearings.

In his sponsorship speech, Co underscored the role of Congress in ensuring that government resources are allocated properly and efficiently, stressing the budget’s critical role in addressing the needs of the Filipino people and fostering national development.

“As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that government funds are allocated fairly and efficiently. We are fulfilling our oath to serve the nation,” Co said. He emphasized that public funds must be used in line with the law to guarantee transparency and accountability in government spending.

Co highlighted that the proposed budget would fund essential public programs and projects, ensuring the effective delivery of services and supporting economic and social progress. Priority areas include education, public works, healthcare, and human and social development programs.

Of the total budget, P977.6 billion is earmarked for education, P900 billion for public works, P297.6 billion for healthcare, and P2.120 trillion for human and social development initiatives, which account for 33.38% of the budget. Additionally, the 2025 GAB backs President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “legacy projects,” focusing on specialty hospitals, food security, and housing for the poor.

Quimbo, in her speech, stressed that the budget is not merely a set of figures but a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the daily challenges faced by Filipino families. She emphasized the allocation of P211.3 billion for agriculture to ensure food security and P253.378 billion for social assistance programs or “ayuda” to support vulnerable families.

Quimbo highlighted the country's recent economic achievements, including a 6.3% GDP growth in the first half of 2024 and a declining unemployment rate of 4.7%. She said the proposed 2025 budget aims to sustain this growth while ensuring that its benefits reach the most disadvantaged sectors of society.

“This budget is not just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that every peso is spent wisely and felt by every Filipino, especially those who need it most,” Quimbo concluded.

REPRESENTATIVE Zaldy Co delivers his message during the plenary session in Congress. AKO BICOL PARTYLIST FACEBOOK