By Junex Doronio
MANILA — After two weeks of marathon plenary deliberations, the House of Representatives, voting 285-3 with zero abstentions, on Wednesday night (25 September 2024) approved on third and final reading the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025.
The approval of the spending bill was expedited after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. certified the measure as urgent.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said that the House followed its timeline for deliberations and approvals to treat the national spending program urgently while ensuring transparency.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House noted that passing the budget before Congress goes on recess would give the Senate ample time for its own debate and passage process.
“We have sufficient time to finally agree on the budget before yearjend. It is the most important piece of legislation Congress passes every year,” he said.
He added: “Next year’s spending legislation will serve as our tool for sustained economic development. It will support the Agenda for Prosperity programs of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.”
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