DBM set to transmit proposed P6.3 trillion budget to House

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is preparing to transmit to the House of Representatives the proposed P6.352-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) of the Marcos administration for 2025.

The amount is two percent of the gross domestic product and is 10.1 percent higher than the 2024 NEP of P5.768 trillion.

The ceremonial turnover of the 2025 national budget by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to House officials led by Speaker Martin Romualdez signals the start of deliberations on the budget, one of the most important pieces of legislation done by Congress.

According to Romualdez, the passage of the 2025 P6.352-trillion national budget before Congress goes on recess in October is a top priority for the House.

He said the House already approved 25 of the 28 measures under the Marcos administration’s Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

“The House will approve the remaining three of the 28 LEDAC bills before the end of the 19th Congress,” he noted.

Romualdez added the LEDAC measures include the Amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act, Amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law, and Amendments to the EPIRA.

The Speaker said he expects a “strong collaborative relationship” with the new Senate leadership under Senate President Francis Escudero.