PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on his Cabinet to maximize the utilization of the 2025 national budget, following his line-item veto of ₱194 billion in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
During his first full Cabinet meeting this year at Malacañang on Tuesday, Jan. 7, Marcos emphasized the importance of efficient budget implementation while addressing delays in key infrastructure projects.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained that the vetoed items aimed to reduce the potential deficit and could not be reallocated to other programs.
He added that the President directed the Cabinet to focus on approved budget items and prioritize unprogrammed projects once additional funds become available.
“The President said to maximize what is approved in the program, and prioritize unprogrammed projects when funds are available,” Bersamin stated in a Palace briefing.
The meeting primarily covered two topics: the implementation of the GAA and delays in flagship infrastructure projects, as reported by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Bersamin assured that the discussions were thorough, though not all four agenda items were tackled due to time constraints.
EDUCATION BUDGET COMPLIANCE
Bersamin also reaffirmed the constitutional compliance of the 2025 GAA, particularly regarding the education sector’s budget, which includes allocations for the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
He defended the inclusion of these institutions in the education sector, stating that education responsibilities now span multiple government agencies, including TESDA, SUCs, and specialized academies like the PNPA and PMA.
“DepEd is not the only agency under the education sector, but it holds the largest portion of the budget. Including TESDA, SUCs, and academies like PMA and PNPA provides a broader understanding of education funding,” Bersamin explained.
COMPLIANCE WITH CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE
Bersamin highlighted that the President’s veto in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, which holds the second-largest allocation at ₱1.01 trillion, allowed education to receive the largest share of government funds.
“The President’s veto ensures compliance with the constitution, giving the education sector the lion’s share of the national budget,” he noted.
With the 2025 budget now in effect, the Marcos administration aims to address inefficiencies and delays while ensuring that critical projects and programs are executed efficiently.