By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet members are thoroughly reviewing the P6.352-trillion national budget to ensure it complies with the 1987 Constitution, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
The budget, approved by the bicameral conference committee, sparked controversy due to the reduced funding for the Department of Education and the removal of the PhilHealth subsidy.
“The President and the Cabinet are currently (with or without calls) carefully reviewing the various items of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) to ensure it aligns with the Constitution and to prioritize the administration’s key legacy initiatives,” Bersamin said.
“The President has been highly prudent in managing and allocating our limited fiscal resources,” he added.
The President is expected to sign the budget on December 30.
“Signing will take place on December 30, 2024, following the Rizal Day program in Manila,” the Presidential Communications Office previously stated.
Originally, the budget was scheduled for signing on December 20 but was postponed for further review of some provisions.
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