1SAMBAYAN Raises Alarm Over Proposed 2025 National Budget: A Call for Transparency and Fairness

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1SAMBAYAN raises concerns about the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act, highlighting reduced budgets for education, healthcare, and defense, while increasing allocations for infrastructure and Congress. They call for a review to address these issues and ensure transparency and fairness in the national budget.

In a strongly worded statement, 1SAMBAYAN has expressed deep concern over glaring anomalies in the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) approved by the Bicameral Conference of Congress. The coalition highlights critical budget allocations that not only raise constitutional questions but also pose serious risks to key sectors essential for national development: education, healthcare, and defense.

Education Takes a Backseat Despite Constitutional Mandate

The Philippine Constitution explicitly states that education should receive the highest budgetary priority. However, the proposed 2025 GAA allocates a staggering ₱1.1 trillion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) while giving only ₱737 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd). The ₱363 billion difference raises eyebrows, especially given the urgent need for investments in the country’s education system, which continues to grapple with overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and deteriorating facilities.

Additionally, the proposed budget reduces DepEd’s allocation by ₱12 billion from what was originally recommended by the President. This cut threatens to further undermine efforts to improve education quality and accessibility nationwide.

PhilHealth Budget Reduced to Zero: A Dire Health Crisis Looms

Equally alarming is the complete absence of any budgetary allocation for PhilHealth in the proposed 2025 GAA. The Constitution mandates prioritizing the healthcare needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, and vulnerable populations. Despite this, the ₱74.43 billion initially proposed for PhilHealth has been reduced to zero. Furthermore, PhilHealth will not even receive its share from Sin Taxes, which, by law, must be automatically remitted to the agency.

This decision raises serious concerns about how the government plans to address the country’s healthcare challenges, including the need for accessible and affordable medical services, particularly for marginalized sectors.

Ballooning Congressional Budget Amid Cuts to Defense and Social Services

While critical sectors face significant budget cuts, the proposed 2025 GAA increases the budget for the House of Representatives by ₱17.37 billion and the Senate by ₱1.1 billion. These increases stand in stark contrast to the reduction of ₱15 billion from the AFP Modernization Program, which is essential for national security, particularly in defending the West Philippine Sea.

Infrastructure Overdrive: A Breeding Ground for Corruption?

The budget for DPWH sees an increase of ₱213 billion, intended for projects such as flood control, road repairs, and reflectorized signs. However, 1SAMBAYAN warns that such allocations have historically been breeding grounds for graft and corruption, often referred to as “pork barrel projects.” Allegations of commissions reaching up to 60% of project costs highlight the urgent need for transparency and oversight.

A Call to Action: Revisiting the 2025 Budget

1SAMBAYAN urges President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reconvene the Bicameral Conference of Congress and address these glaring inconsistencies. The coalition stresses that without corrective measures, the 2025 GAA risks becoming one of the most corrupt national budgets in Philippine history.

Ensuring a People-Centered Budget

As the debate continues, the call for a transparent, equitable, and people-centered national budget grows louder. Education, healthcare, and national defense are non-negotiable pillars of national progress. It is imperative that the 2025 GAA reflects these priorities and safeguards the welfare of every Filipino.

The nation watches closely as stakeholders, advocates, and citizens demand accountability and meaningful reforms in the budget approval process.

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