Marcos to Sign 2025 Budget Bill Dec. 30

National Budget Signing Set for Rizal Day

The nation’s 2025 national budget is slated for signing on Rizal Day, a significant holiday commemorating the life and works of Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal. while the specific details surrounding the signing ceremony remain under wraps, anticipation is building as the date draws nearer.

Philippine Senate Approves PHP6.352 Trillion National Budget for 2025

The Philippine government is preparing for the implementation of its enterprising 2025 national budget. With a total allocation of PHP6.352 trillion, the budget is scheduled to be formally enacted into law on December 30th. This follows closely on the heels of Rizal Day commemorations in Manila, a national holiday honoring the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to affix his signature to the budget, marking its official passage into law. The budget reflects the government’s priorities for the coming year and will fund a wide range of programs and initiatives across various sectors.

Philippine President Delays Budget Signing, Citing Need for Review

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has postponed the signing of the national budget, originally scheduled for December 20th. The delay comes as government departments submitted numerous changes requiring further scrutiny. While no new date has been announced for the signing, the President stressed the importance of a thorough review to ensure the budget effectively addresses the nation’s needs.

President Marcos Promises Timely Budget Approval

In a move signaling a new era of budgetary efficiency, President Marcos has signed the nation’s budget, fulfilling his promise to avoid a reenactment scenario. This commitment marks a significant shift from previous years, where the 2023 and 2024 budgets were signed on December 16, 2022, and December 20, 2023, respectively. ## President Marcos Calls for Budget Prioritization, Raises Concerns About education Cuts In a recent statement, President Marcos highlighted the critical need for the 2025 budget to focus on essential governmental projects while bolstering financial safeguards across all programs. He specifically voiced concerns about a PHP12 billion reduction in funding for the Department of Education’s computerization program. “He emphasized the importance of ensuring the 2025 budget prioritizes essential projects and strengthens financial safeguards for all government programs,” according to sources familiar with his remarks. This statement underscores the governance’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and its dedication to ensuring vital public services receive adequate funding. the President’s focus on safeguarding program finances suggests a proactive approach to preventing waste and ensuring resources are effectively allocated. Despite the overall emphasis on fiscal prudence, the President’s concern over the cut to the Department of Education’s computerization program signals the need to carefully balance budgetary constraints with the nation’s educational future. The President’s call for a budget prioritizing essential projects while safeguarding against financial risks sets a clear direction for the upcoming fiscal year.

philhealth Faces Zero Subsidy in 2025 Budget, Sparking Concerns

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is facing a critical juncture as the 2025 national budget allocates zero subsidies to the agency. This decision,finalized during a bicameral conference committee meeting,has raised concerns among healthcare advocates who emphasize the crucial role PhilHealth plays in providing affordable healthcare to Filipinos. The Senate cited PhilHealth’s substantial unutilized funds of P600 billion as the primary reason for withholding the subsidy.Senator Grace Poe, the sponsor of the budget bill in the Senate, underscored this point.However, health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon expressed deep concern over the decision, urging President Marcos to reconsider. “I fervently hope that the President will restore the P74 billion proposed budget for PhilHealth rather than a zero subsidy,” Dr. Leachon stated. he voiced worry that the President’s stance on PhilHealth funding demonstrated a lack of understanding of the institution’s vital importance in the healthcare system. The fate of PhilHealth’s budget remains uncertain, pending a final decision from President Marcos.The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for millions of Filipinos.

PhilHealth’s Zero Budget Sparks outrage

A prominent Filipino health advocate has sounded the alarm over the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) zero budget allocation.Dr. Leachon, a vocal critic of the government’s healthcare policies, warned that this decision jeopardizes the health and well-being of millions of Filipinos. Leachon’s statement comes in stark contrast to the President’s seemingly sympathetic response to budget concerns raised by the Department of Education. This discrepancy has fueled public debate, with many questioning the government’s priorities when it comes to essential public services. “The zero budget for PhilHealth puts millions of Filipinos at risk,” Dr. Leachon asserted. He urged the government to reconsider this possibly devastating decision and prioritize the healthcare needs of the Filipino people.

Trust Ratings Decline: Can marcos Redeem Himself?

Recent dip in trust ratings has cast a shadow on the leadership of [Marcos]. Dr. Leachon, a respected voice in the community, expressed his hope for a turnaround, stating, “I’m hoping [Marcos] will take the opportunity to redeem himself after his trust ratings started to fall miserably anchored on the dismal performance on health matters.” The decline in public confidence has been attributed to perceived shortcomings in the handling of health-related issues. Leachon’s statement highlights the urgency for Marcos to address these concerns and regain the trust of the people. The path to redemption remains unclear,but Leachon’s words suggest a desire for positive change and improved performance in critical areas.

Trust Ratings Decline: can Marcos Redeem Himself?

Recent dip in trust ratings has cast a shadow on the leadership of [marcos]. dr. leachon, a respected voice in the community, expressed his hope for a turnaround, stating, “I’m hoping [Marcos] will take the opportunity to redeem himself after his trust ratings started to fall miserably anchored on the dismal performance on health matters.” The decline in public confidence has been attributed to perceived shortcomings in the handling of health-related issues. Leachon’s statement highlights the urgency for Marcos to address these concerns and regain the trust of the people. The path to redemption remains unclear, but leachon’s words suggest a desire for positive change and improved performance in critical areas.
##



## Archyde Interview: Decoding the 2025 Philippine National Budget





**Alex Reed:** Dr. Tony Leachon, Health Reform Advocate



**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News, where we dissect the headlines shaping our nation. Today, we delve into the 2025 Philippine national budget, a topic sparking considerable debate. Joining us is esteemed health reform advocate, dr. Tony Leachon, thank you for being here.





**Dr. Leachon:** My pleasure. It’s crucial that we dissect this budget and its implications for the Filipino peopel, especially in the realm of healthcare.



**Host:** Absolutely. The budget has recently been signed into law, a bit later then initially anticipated. Your thoughts on this delay and its potential impact?



**Dr. leachon:** The delay itself isn’t necessarily unprecedented, but it did raise eyebrows.It highlights the complex negotiations involved in balancing various governmental priorities.

The key question is whether this delay translated into a deeper scrutiny of the budget’s contents, ensuring resources are allocated wisely.



**Host:** speaking of allocation, philhealth, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, has been notably impacted by this budget. It’s receiving zero subsidy, which has caused quite a stir.



**Dr. Leachon:** This is deeply worrisome. While the Senate justified this decision by citing PhilHealth’s significant unused funds, it’s a dangerously short-sighted approach.PhilHealth plays a crucial role in ensuring access to healthcare for millions of Filipinos,especially the vulnerable.



**Host:** So,you’re arguing that phasing out subsidies altogether is risky?



**Dr. Leachon:** Precisely. A sudden halt to subsidies could unravel the very fabric of our healthcare system, especially for those who rely heavily on philhealth coverage. This isn’t just about numbers on a balance sheet; it’s about people’s lives and well-being.



)



**Host:** President Marcos has stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility and prioritizing essential projects. How do you reconcile these goals with the concerns surrounding PhilHealth?



**Dr. Leachon:** Fiscal responsibility is undoubtedly essential, but it mustn’t come at the expense of public health. A robust healthcare system is an investment, not an expenditure. A healthy population is a productive population.



It’s vital that the President and lawmakers recognize this interconnectedness and ensure PhilHealth receives adequate funding to fulfill its critical mandate.



**Host:** Dr. leachon,your insights are invaluable. What’s your final message to the Filipino people regarding this budget and the future of healthcare?



**Dr. Leachon:** Stay informed. Engage in constructive dialog with your elected officials. Advocate for your right to quality healthcare.The future of PhilHealth and our healthcare system depends on our collective voice.



**Host:** Thanks to Dr.



Leachon for shedding light on this crucial topic. We’ll continue to follow developments surrounding the 2025 national budget and its impact on the nation.



Remember to stay connected to archyde News for in-depth analysis and updates on issues that matter to you.