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.

DepEd pushes for learning continuity amid disasters, updates class suspension guidelines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Education (DepEd) has updated measures to strengthen the preparedness of schools for disasters and other emergencies, emphasizing the importance of Learning and Service Continuity Plans (LSCPs) in minimizing the disruption of learning delivery.

 In DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, the Department provided the revised guidelines on class and work suspensions in schools during typhoons and tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall and flood, earthquakes, power outages, extreme heat, low air quality, and other emergencies and hazards. The policy also outlines steps to safeguard students and teachers while ensuring learning continuity.

 The LSCP mandates field offices and schools to identify suitable Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) for education, ensuring that even during calamities, students have access to learning resources. These ADMs may include modular distance learning, online education, or blended approaches, depending on the specific needs and local conditions.

 The LSCP must also establish protocols for the safekeeping and storage of learning materials and devices to prevent damage during calamities. The plan must also detail procedures for distributing these materials, ensuring that learners can easily access them when needed.

 In addition, the LSCP includes guidelines for mobilizing teachers, school heads, and other staff during emergencies. Training programs and capacity building activities, such as Learning Action Cells, must be pivoted to prepare educators for the challenges of remote or alternative teaching methods.

 The LSCP also draws on assistance from local government units, parents, and community organizations to generate resources and ensure smooth implementation of continuity plans.

 Furthermore, schools are directed to integrate funding needs for disaster preparedness and recovery into their School Improvement Plans. This ensures that resources for ADMs, make- up classes, and other initiatives are readily available when emergencies occur.

 The LSCP must be crafted every three years alongside the School Improvement Plan, and will be reviewed and updated annually at the start of the school year.

 For more information, schools and stakeholders may refer to DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, available at https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2024_022.pdf