Deputy Speaker Apologizes Over 2025 National Budget Claims
House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno has publicly apologized to former Senator Grace Poe regarding her alleged involvement in finalizing the 2025 national budget. The apology came after Puno acknowledged that Poe was mistakenly identified as one of those responsible for the final version of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
During a recent press briefing, Puno clarified that although Poe chaired the Senate Committee on Finance, which reviews the annual budget, she was not part of the bicameral conference committee that crafted the final 2025 national budget. “By the way, I want to take this opportunity to apologize to Senator Grace Poe because I mentioned her as one of the three people that were involved in the final drafting of the end result,” Puno said. “And I learned that even she was not really allowed to participate in the discussion. So I apologize to her in front of everybody,” he added.
Understanding the 2025 National Budget Process
The 2025 national budget process begins when the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) submits the executive branch’s proposed budget, known as the National Expenditures Program (NEP), to both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House then reviews and amends the budget, producing the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
This House-approved GAB proceeds to the Senate for further scrutiny before being sent to the President for signature. In cases where the House and Senate versions differ, a bicameral conference committee convenes to reconcile the versions and create a single final draft.
Typically, the heads of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance participate in the bicameral conference committee. In the 19th Congress, Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co chaired the House panel, while Grace Poe led the Senate panel. However, Poe did not take part in the final bicameral discussions for the 2025 budget.
Calls to Return the NEP and Budget Deliberation Concerns
Amid ongoing budget debates, Puno revealed that House party leaders recommended sending the NEP back to the DBM. He explained that if the current process continues without returning the budget proposal, amendments might be introduced through errata, which could raise suspicions of irregular realignments.
“Doing so might raise suspicions again that the chamber is doing irregular realignments,” Puno stated. He also mentioned that party leaders have urged their members to refrain from attending budget deliberations until these concerns are resolved.
However, representatives from the Nationalist People’s Coalition later reported that party leaders withdrew their recommendation to return the NEP after the DBM promised to address the issues. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and newly appointed Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon reportedly reached out to House leadership, assuring that they would personally visit to discuss the concerns.
Increased Scrutiny After President Marcos’ SONA
Heightened examination of the 2025 national budget followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address. Marcos condemned officials and companies allegedly involved in kickbacks that worsened the impact of flooding during the rainy season. This prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in the budget process, especially regarding the 2025 fiscal plan crafted by the 19th Congress.
Local leaders noted that Congress faces pressure to implement measures that allow closer public scrutiny of budget allocations and spending to prevent corruption and ensure funds reach their intended beneficiaries.
For more news and updates on 2025 national budget, visit Filipinokami.com.
