By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has postponed the scheduled signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) set for December 20, citing concerns over budget cuts to key government agencies.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced the decision on Wednesday, December 18, through a statement from the Presidential Communications Office, emphasizing a “rigorous and exhaustive review” led by the president.
“The signing of the General Appropriations Act on December 20 will not push through to allow more time for a thorough review of a measure that will shape the nation’s course for the next year,” Bersamin said.
The statement confirmed that some provisions approved by Congress’ Bicameral Conference Committee would be vetoed, although the exact date for the signing remains undetermined.
“Certain items and provisions of the national budget bill will be vetoed in the interest of public welfare, fiscal alignment, and legal compliance,” Bersamin added.
The postponement follows criticisms of budget cuts, including a PHP 74-billion subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and a PHP 10-billion allocation for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) computerization program.
DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter) that he and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman had met with the president to find solutions for the budget cuts.
“After meeting with [Marcos Jr.], [DBM Secretary Pangandaman] and I were given instructions to address the DepEd budget cuts through any and all possible avenues. Thank you to everyone who supported us,” Angara posted.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth approved its PHP 284-billion Corporate Operating Budget (COB) for 2025 on Monday, December 16. The funds will come from reserves and premium collections from member-beneficiaries.
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who also chairs the PhilHealth Board, assured the public that the agency has sufficient funds to operate next year despite the lack of a subsidy. Herbosa said PhilHealth would sustain its operations while increasing case rates and benefits.
Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, welcomed the postponement, calling it a “sign of a healthy democracy.”
“I believe the president’s economic managers are providing sound advice given the current situation. The GAA is crucial for our economic stability and GDP growth in 2025,” Poe said in a statement.
Senator Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, had earlier urged a review of the budget, pointing to PhilHealth cuts and increased allocations for the Ayuda sa Kapos and Kita Program (AKAP) and the Department of Public Works and Highways, whose budget rose to PHP 1.1 trillion.
