PLENARY DEBATES. Speaker Martin Romualdez delivers his speech during the start of the plenary deliberations on the proposed PHP6.352 trillion 2025 national budget Monday (Sept. 16, 2024). Romualdez said the House of Representatives will ensure that public resources are spent wisely, effectively, and with "absolute accountability". (Screengrab)
MANILA – The House of Representatives vowed to ensure that public resources are spent wisely, effectively, and with "absolute accountability" as it started the plenary deliberations on the proposed PHP6.352 trillion 2025 national budget Monday.
In his speech, Speaker Martin Romualdez said the chamber will uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in "defending the public coffers".
"As legislators, we are not only guardians of the national purse, but also stewards of the people's trust. Every peso we allocate in this budget carries with it the sweat and sacrifice of millions of Filipinos, and it is our duty to ensure that these resources are spent wisely, effectively, and with absolute accountability," he said.
Romualdez said hypocrisy and the disregard for public trust would not be tolerated.
“We cannot ignore the reality that there are those who seek to undermine our work -critics who speak of accountability while conveniently ignoring their own misuse of public funds. To these individuals, I say, let us be clear: this chamber will not tolerate hypocrisy, nor will it stand idle in the face of such blatant disregard for public trust,” he said.
“Hindi maaaring magturo ng daliri ang may sariling kasalanan. Sa harap ng Kongreso, lahat ay dadaan sa tamang proseso, at walang makakatakas sa pananagutan (Those who have erred can't point fingers. Before Congress, everyone will undergo the right process, and no one will escape accountability),” he added, underscoring that the House will demand full transparency from all.
Romualdez said the House would not be swayed by external pressure or special interests, noting the chamber would remain vigilant in upholding the principles of good governance and fiscal responsibility.
“This House answers to no one but the people. We will stand firm against pressure or influence, and we will guard every peso as if it were our own. The eyes of the nation are on us, and we will not fail them,” he said.
Romualdez said the proposed budget would advance the government’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda and contribute to the goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
"Together, we will deliver a budget that serves the best interests of the people, fulfills the goals of the eight-point socioeconomic agenda, and contributes to the realization of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028," he said.
Romualdez urged House members to “work with confidence and urgency,” highlighting their responsibility to pass the proposed budget swiftly and "with integrity" to “swiftly, and to do so with integrity while ensuring that the nation's objectives are achieved and that all Filipinos benefit from their efforts.”
“Patuloy nating itaguyod ang responsableng pamamahala sa pondo ng bayan, palakasin ang ating ekonomiya, at itaguyod ang kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino tungo są isang Bagong Pilipinas (Let us continue to promote responsible management of public funds, strengthen our economy, and advance the progress of every Filipino toward a New Philippines),” he added.
Swift passage
Meanwhile, leaders of the House Committee on Appropriations rallied their colleagues to prioritize the swift passage of House Bill (HB) No. 10800, or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), following six weeks of intense budget committee hearings that shaped the proposed 2025 national budget.
In his sponsorship speech, Committee Chairperson and Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co underscored the budget’s importance as an exercise of Congress’ "power of the purse," highlighting its critical role in addressing the needs of the Filipino people and driving the nation’s development.
“As we deliberate on the proposed budget, I appeal to every member of this esteemed body to prioritize the timely approval of the General Appropriations Bill for FY 2025. The prompt passage of this bill is critical to ensuring that government programs are implemented efficiently, eradicating poverty and benefiting every Filipino, especially those in most need,” he said.
He said all public funds must be used in accordance with the law to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.
Co said the proposed budget ensures the funding of public programs and projects, guaranteeing the delivery of essential services while supporting economic and social growth.
Key focus areas in the budget include human and social development, job creation and improving the country’s infrastructure and governance.
Education, as the top priority, is allocated PHP977.6 billion to ensure accessible, quality education for all Filipinos.
Public works and highways are set to receive PHP900 billion, while the health sector will be allocated PHP297.6 billion to improve healthcare services nationwide.
Human and social development programs will receive PHP2.120 trillion, representing 33.38 percent of the budget.
The 2025 GAB also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “legacy projects,” which focus on specialty hospitals, food security and housing for the poor.
"The government is focused on ensuring that we have quality hospitals to take care of Filipinos, we have adequate food, and have decent homes,” Co said in Filipino.
Meanwhile, Senior Vice Chair Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said the national budget is not just a collection of numbers, but a comprehensive plan to address the challenges faced by Filipino families every day.
“I stand before you today, not just as a public servant, but as a fellow Filipino, fully aware of the daily challenges our people face -- the high cost of basic needs, especially rice and electricity, to unforeseen events such as illness, death, and job loss that can easily push a family into poverty,” Quimbo said.
Quimbo described the budget as a “book of solutions” designed to uplift the lives of Filipinos by addressing these critical issues.
In addition to education and healthcare, she stressed the significance of the PHP211.3 billion allocation for the agriculture sector, aimed at ensuring food security by supporting farmers and ensuring sufficient, affordable food for all Filipinos.
She also highlighted the PHP253.378 billion earmarked for social assistance programs under “ayuda (assistance),” which are designed to support families in crisis.
The 2025 GAB, she said, is designed to continue the country’s growth trajectory while ensuring that the benefits reach the most vulnerable sectors of society. (with a report from Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)
