Jamayka Rhose Pascual

Following the approval of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), Senate President Chiz Escudero hailed it as a “reflection of people’s needs and aspirations” despite criticisms regarding its allocation priorities.


The P6.326 trillion national budget was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after a “thorough and necessary” review process.

Although the budget’s approval took longer than expected, Escudero emphasized the importance of deliberation to ensure that every peso is well accounted for.

“The General Appropriations Act is not only the most important legislation, but also the longest and most complicated bill that Congress is expected to pass every year. It should therefore no longer come as a surprise that the process is more prolonged and controversial compared to other bills and laws,” Escudero said.

He then highlighted that crafting the budget was a collaborative effort, involving public inputs and contributions from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Escudero also expressed optimism on the budget, calling it a sign of a “healthy democracy.”

“If governance is defined as ‘allocating scarce resources’ then I am truly elated and encouraged that the people and all the branches of government took an active part in governance and governing of our country. This is precisely what democracy means, and it shows that we have a strong one where the system of checks and balances is alive and well,” he added.

Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Senator Grace Poe also agreed with Escudero’s sentiments, further labeling the budget a “symbol of collaboration.”

Poe pointed to the controversial aspects of the budget, including the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP), that were later resolved by the lawmakers.

"The conditional implementation of the AKAP program highlights our collective responsibility to safeguard against misuse and duplication of benefits," she said

Marcos earlier exercised his veto power to remove certain provisions, such as projects with uncertain funding sources described as a “necessary act of fiscal discipline.”

Poe then stated that this ensures government resources are directed toward shovel-ready and high-priority projects.

While Escudero acknowledged the challenge of balancing unlimited needs with finite resources, he stressed the importance of collaboration and mutual respect among government branches in allocating resources.

“No one branch reigns supreme and dictates over the other. The expression of divergent and different opinions, views, and suggestions regarding the GAA are all well taken and are part and parcel of the process,” he explained.

Looking forward, Escudero urged the Executive branch to act swiftly in implementing the budget. 

“Now that the budget authorization phase is concluded, it is time for each and every program, activity, and project in the budget to be implemented on time, in full, according to specifications, and without delay. Conditional implementation should not constrict spending,” Escudero asserted.

Despite the criticisms and challenges, Escudero framed the 2025 GAA as a reflection of a government striving to meet the needs of its people while respecting democratic principles.

“Ultimately, however, regardless of whose side prevails, we must all come together, wiser, better, and stronger to face the challenges that lie ahead in the coming year as one nation and one people,” he emphasized.