MARCOS DEFERS SIGNING OF NATIONAL BUDGET

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has deferred the signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) to allow more time for “a rigorous and comprehensive review,” according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

“The scheduled signing of the General Appropriations Act on December 20 will not push through to allow more time for a rigorous and exhaustive review of a measure that will determine the course of the nation for the next year,” Bersamin said in a statement on Wednesday.

Bersamin said President Marcos is personally leading the ongoing assessment of the proposed 2025 budget, “in consultation with the heads of major departments.”

No specific date for the signing has been announced.

“While we cannot yet announce the date of the signing, we can now confirm that certain items and provisions of the national budget bill will be vetoed in the interest of public welfare, to conform with the fiscal program, and in compliance with laws,” Bersamin said.

On December 11, the Bicameral Conference Committee approved the final version of House Bill 10800, or the proposed P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget.

Some lawmakers, including the President’s older sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, have appealed for a thorough review of the proposed 2025 budget.

Senator Marcos expressed her willingness to work through the holidays to address any issues surrounding specific items in the national outlay.