President Marcos axes P168-billion unprogrammed funds—DBM

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that President Marcos has utilized his veto power to ensure the 2025 national budget aligns with the country’s development goals.

In a statement on Monday, Dec. 30, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman commended the President for his “discerning use of veto powers,” which helped refine the budget proposed by the Bicameral Committee.

“We would like to thank our President, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for personally being on top of reviewing the Bicameral Committee’s version of the Budget,” Pangandaman said.

“While the Congress’ version was quite different from the proposed budget that we submitted, we are grateful and relieved that the President has made sure that we do not end up with a reenacted budget,” she added.

One of the key changes made by the President was a reduction in unprogrammed appropriations (UA), which had been increased by over 300 percent in the Bicameral Committee’s version of the budget. A total of P168 billion was vetoed by the UA.

“Nakikinig po ang ating Pangulo sa taumbayan [Our President is listening to the people],” Pangandaman said.

“That is why, among others, unprogrammed appropriations, which increased by over 300 percent in the Bicam version of the budget, have been greatly reduced by direct veto. There will also be a conditional implementation of Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP),” she added.

To ensure compliance with legal standards, 12 Special Provisions were also placed under conditional implementation.

These include programs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, such as the “Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP)” and the “PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program,” as well as provisions related to infrastructure, foreign-assisted projects, and disaster risk reduction.

The President also conveyed his standpoint on the implementation of specific provisions related to the organizational structure of Congress, the Special Road Fund, the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, and the use of savings.

Pangandaman said the 2025 budget prioritized social services, including education and health, in line with the Philippine Constitution. It also focused on economic services such as infrastructure and agriculture to stimulate growth and address challenges like inflation. Furthermore, she said the budget emphasized green investments and disaster preparedness to protect the environment and enhance the nation’s resilience.

Meanwhile, the DBM reiterated its commitment to overseeing the efficient execution of the budget, ensuring that all funds are utilized according to the government’s strategic plans and for the benefit of all Filipinos. — Derco Rosal