By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The House of Representatives is set to commence plenary debates on the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025, with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez affirming that the allocation is designed to support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s Agenda for Prosperity and Bagong Pilipinas programs.
“This budget will directly aid the poor through various social protection measures, financial assistance, and healthcare programs. It also aims to stabilize food prices, particularly reducing the cost of rice, which has dropped to P42 per kilo,” Romualdez noted.
The Speaker, leading the 300-plus-member House, emphasized that the proposed budget is key to assisting farmers and fisherfolk in boosting their harvests, which would help ensure an adequate food supply and lower prices, benefiting all Filipinos.
Romualdez further stressed that the 2025 budget will serve as a blueprint for expanding infrastructure and enhancing education. “It will fund the construction of more road networks and classrooms, especially in underserved communities,” he said.
Additionally, Romualdez highlighted the budget’s role in sustaining economic growth, which the government aims to maintain at six percent or higher, in line with forecasts from international financial institutions.
The Speaker expressed his gratitude to the House Committee on Appropriations, led by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and senior vice chairperson Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo, for completing budget hearings on time and endorsing the proposal.
The House has allocated eight days for plenary debates, which will begin at 10 a.m. each day and continue until the scheduled agenda is completed. The controversial reduced funding for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is slated for discussion on September 23.
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