Several days before the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the resumption of session on July 22, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez assured that the House of Representatives is committed to passing the 2025 national budget, remaining Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority bills, and possible additional key SONA measures.
“The House is ready to take swift and decisive action to ensure that these legislative priorities are met, paving the way for sustained development and progress under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos,” Romualdez said.
He said the House eagerly awaits the executive branch’s proposed P6.352-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP), which will form the basis for the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), and aims to pass it before the end of September.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong legislative chamber said in a press release from his office July 14 that the swift and timely passage of next year’s national budget is a top priority.
“The 2025 national budget is essential for sustaining our nation’s growth and addressing the immediate needs of our citizens, and the House is ready to ensure its swift approval to support our development and progress,” Romualdez said.
“We are ready and determined to work hard to pass the 2025 GAB before we go on break at the end of September. We will ensure the timely transmission of the spending bill to the Senate for their consideration as well,” he added.
The 2025 national budget, which represents a 10-percent increase from this year’s P5.768-trillion allocation, is equivalent to 22 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
The Department of Budget and Management is expected to submit the 2025 NEP to Congress on July 29, following its review by the full cabinet.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the NEP must be submitted to Congress within 30 days after the SONA. Once approved, it becomes the GAB, and then the General Appropriations Act when signed into law by the President.
In addition to the 2025 national budget, Romualdez said the House is ready to pass all the President’s priority measures during the remaining session days of the 19th Congress.
“We are fully committed to passing all the bills that Marcos will possibly outline in his SONA. The House is ready and determined to work diligently to ensure that these critical measures are enacted swiftly to support our nation’s progress and development,” the Speaker said after the House of Representatives approved all the SONA measures asked by the President last year.
In his upcoming SONA, Marcos is expected to outline key legislative measures aimed at addressing the country’s most urgent issues and driving its growth agenda.
“These SONA measures are crucial for addressing our nation’s immediate needs and promoting sustainable development,” Romualdez said. “We will work closely with the executive branch to ensure their swift and successful passage.” ||
