DBM Press Release
As the House of Representatives opened deliberations on House Bill No. 10800, the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Bill, Department of Budget (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman expressed confidence in the budget’s alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for fiscal prudence.
The P6.352 trillion proposed budget aims to chart the nation’s course toward sustained development and economic growth, prioritizing crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and social support.
“This budget is not just about meeting the country's financial needs but a direct response to the President’s reminder to ensure that every peso contributes to long-term prosperity. The theme ‘Agenda for Prosperity’ represents our goal of delivering growth that is both inclusive and sustainable for every Filipino,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
During the deliberations yesterday, 16 September 2024, key leaders underscored on fiscal responsibility, national progress, and social equity.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, in his opening statement at the plenary session, stressed the importance of fiscal discipline, accountability, and prudent use of resources.
“Every peso we allocate in this budget carries with it the sweat and sacrifice of millions of Filipinos, and it is our duty to ensure that these resources are spent wisely, effectively and with absolute accountability,” the Speaker stated.
Speaker Romualdez also emphasized that the budget is more than just a financial plan, calling it "the foundation upon which our nation’s governance rests."
He likewise gave emphasis on the value of transparency in government spending.
"We [House of Representatives] have worked tirelessly to ensure that every government agency’s expenditure is examined with careful scrutiny and that every program funded by the people’s money is aligned with the country’s priorities," the House Speaker added.
Speaker Romualdez urged lawmakers to pass the budget responsibly and in a timely manner, noting its critical role in achieving the goals of the Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
“Patuloy nating itaguyod ang responsableng pamamahala sa pondo ng bayan, palakasin ang ating ekonomiya, at itaguyod ang kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino—tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas,” he concluded.
On the other hand, Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Elizaldy S. Co outlined the budget's key priorities, with a focus on inclusive development and sustainable growth. He highlighted that this year’s budget aligns with the three pillars of the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028—empowering individuals and families, generating quality jobs, and creating an environment for sustainable growth.
Rep. Co also mentioned the vital role of Congress in shaping the annual national budget, stating, “Nagbibigay ng katangi-tanging kapangyarihan ang ating Saligang Batas sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso upang pagmulan ng pagbuo ng taunang gastusin ng pamahalaan: ang pambansang budget. Bilang kinatawan ng taumbayan, tungkulin nating tiyakin na ang yaman ng pamahalaan ay nakatalaga nang wasto, patas, at mahusay. Tinutupad natin ang sinumpaang tungkulin na mapaglingkuran ang sambayanan.”
Marikina District Representative Stella Quimbo, meanwhile, highlighted improvements in inflation and employment, explaining, “Through our collective efforts, we have brought inflation down to 3.3% as of August 2024. However, the work is far from over. Year-to-date, the inflation rate stands at 3.6%, which is 32% lower than the 5.3% year-to-date inflation rate from last year.”
“This budget that we are proposing is a piece of the roadmap for growth, sustainable and inclusive development. It contains the various programs of government created to address problems that have emerged over time… Ang 2025 General Appropriations Bill ay isang libro ng mga solusyon sa bawat problemang hinaharap ng pamilyang Pilipino,” Rep. Quimbo further remarked.
“Our budget represents the hopes and dreams of every Filipino. It’s a promise that no matter where we are, from the cities to the farthest barangays, the government is working to ensure a better future for everyone,” Secretary Pangandaman concluded.
The 2025 proposed budget, which seeks to empower every Filipino, foster inclusive growth, and uphold fiscal responsibility—ensuring that no one is left behind on the Philippines' path to prosperity—is currently under deliberation in Congress.
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