The 2025 National Budget: A Ticking Time Bomb?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In July 2024, the President submitted the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress—a proposed budget of ₱6.352 trillion designed to fund essential services and programs for the Filipino people. By law, Congress can review, amend, or reduce the proposed budget, but they cannot increase it.

After months of deliberations, Congress finalized the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) and sent it back to the President on December 11, 2024, for approval. The President now has 30 days to sign it, veto certain parts, or allow it to automatically become law.

But here’s the problem: The original budget proposal has been drastically altered—some say even "bastardized."

Cuts That Hurt the Filipino People

Congress slashed funding for critical sectors, and the consequences could be devastating:

PhilHealth – ₱74.43 billion was entirely removed. This means millions of Filipinos may struggle to afford healthcare and hospitalization.

Department of Education (DepEd) – Budget reduced by ₱68 billion, potentially compromising the quality of education.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – ₱12.71 billion was cut, limiting aid for vulnerable sectors during calamities.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) – Reduced by ₱91.07 billion, weakening Philippine Coast Guard operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Agriculture Sector – Budget slashed by ₱43.2 billion, jeopardizing food security and worsening farmers' and fisherfolk's poverty.

Pension and Gratuity Fund – Cut by ₱87.29 billion, risking the benefits of retiring government personnel, including AFP and PNP members.

Office of the Vice President (OVP) – Slashed by over ₱1.3 billion, raising suspicions of political maneuvering ahead of the next presidential election.

Where Did the Money Go?

While critical services faced massive cuts, other sectors saw shocking increases:

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Budget ballooned by ₱289 billion, reaching an unprecedented ₱1.1 trillion. Critics argue this increase primarily funds "pork barrel projects," notorious for corruption.

House of Representatives (HoR) – Their budget more than doubled, from ₱16.3 billion to ₱33.7 billion—essentially giving each congressman over ₱100 million more.

Office of the President (OP) – Budget increased by ₱5.4 billion, reaching ₱15.4 billion, raising eyebrows about potential political compromises.

AKAP Ayuda Scheme – An unplanned ₱26 billion was inserted into the budget. Critics claim this program, marketed as aid for the poor, might actually be a vote-buying scheme ahead of the 2025 elections.

Unprogrammed Appropriations: A Dangerous Loophole

Projects that were removed from the NEP didn’t disappear—they were diverted into Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA), a "standby fund" dependent on excess government revenue. The problem? The government already faces a ₱1.77 trillion deficit, making it nearly impossible to fund these "standby" projects.

The UA allocation tripled from ₱158.7 billion to ₱531.7 billion, making it unlikely these funds will ever see the light of day.

Pork Barrel Resurgence

With these changes, each congressman is now reportedly guaranteed ₱238 million in "pork barrel funds." Originally capped at ₱100 million, this increase suggests billions of pesos may be funneled into questionable projects.

What Can the President Do?

The President faces a difficult choice:

Sign the budget as is and risk public outrage, protests, and potential political instability.

Veto certain provisions, though this wouldn’t restore the critical budget cuts.

Pressure Congress to recall and amend the GAB, an unprecedented move in Philippine history but one that might be necessary.

The Road Ahead

If the President fails to address these glaring issues, the consequences could be severe:

Massive protests and political instability in 2025.

Worsening healthcare, education, and agricultural crises for ordinary citizens.

Increased corruption and misuse of public funds.

A Call to Action

The Filipino people deserve a budget that prioritizes healthcare, education, and national security—not one that serves political interests. The President and Congress must act swiftly to correct these injustices before the consequences become irreversible.

The future of the nation—and the trust of its people—hangs in the balance.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.