LEADERS of the House of Representatives have formally received the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for Fiscal Year 2025, amounting to P6.352 trillion.

House Appropriations Committee chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co joined Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez in receiving the document.

Co underscored the importance of the NEP, crafted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) under Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“This proposed budget represents a 10.1 percent increase from the previous year and accounts for 22.0 percent of our Gross Domestic Product. It is a testament to our collective resolve to foster economic growth, social progress, and resilience among our people,” he said.

He stressed that the 2025 budget proposal is not merely a financial plan but a strategic roadmap aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It focuses on enhancing the welfare of individuals and families, transforming production sectors to create high-quality jobs, and nurturing a supportive environment for institutions and natural surroundings, he added.

In evaluating the budget proposal, Co said Congress will consider several key elements, including the availability of fiscal resources, the readiness of programs and projects for execution, agencies’ capacity to absorb funds, and alignment with spending priorities. “We must ensure that every peso is directed towards initiatives that will uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos, improve our infrastructure, strengthen our educational and healthcare systems, and secure our nation’s future,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Co called upon his colleagues to uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility throughout the budget deliberation process.

“It’s crucial that we examine each allocation meticulously to ensure the most effective use of our resources,” he stated.

Senior Deputy Speaker Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. commended President Marcos Jr. for promptly submitting the proposed 2025 national budget to Congress.

“President BBM is presenting his proposal three weeks ahead of his one-month constitutional deadline to do so. This will give the House of Representatives enough time for budget deliberations,” Gonzales said.

Under the Constitution, the Chief Executive has 30 days from the opening of every regular session of Congress to submit his proposed spending program.

“As far as I know, during my long years in Congress, PBBM is the only President who submits his budget proposal way ahead of his deadline. That speaks volumes about his fidelity to his constitutional duties and his respect for Congress,” he stressed.

At the same time, Gonzales said the implementation of the 2025 national budget would be a test for the enforcement of the newly enacted New Government Procurement Act.

He said President Marcos Jr.’s budget proposal is the first full-year spending measure to be covered by the new procurement law.

“We can potentially save billions of pesos and precious time and energy by following the transparent, efficient and accountable procurement processes under our new law,” he said.

Speaker Ferdinand G. Martin Romualdez and Gonzales are the principal authors of the law, denominated as Republic Act No. 12009.

“This legislation ushers in a new era of transparency, integrity, and accountability in our government’s procurement processes. It reflects our unwavering commitment to the Filipino people to ensure that every peso is spent wisely and responsibly,” the House leader said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas