DBM submits proposed P6.3 trillion budget to House

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management formally turned over yesterday the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 to the House of Representatives, with the P1.035-trillion allocation for local government units topping the spending priorities.

“As we receive this document, we recognize the collective responsibility bestowed upon us as legislators to scrutinize, deliberate and ensure that every peso is judiciously allocated and spent,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said during the ceremonial turnover of the proposed budget.

“I’m confident that with the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislative branches, we will achieve a budget that not only meets the immediate needs of our people but also sets the stage for a more prosperous and equitable Philippines,” he added.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the Internal Revenue Allotment – renamed National Tax Allotment – for 2025  is “18.7 percent higher” than this year’s allocation of P871 billion.

Ranking second in spending is Climate Change Expenditures (P1.020 trillion), followed by Water Resources Program (P309.7 billion), Flood Management Program (P254.3 billion) and Convergence and Special Support Program (P221.5 billion). 

National defense program (land, air, sea) was next at P204.4 billion, Network Development Program (P140.9 billion) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the social welfare department at P114.2 billion.

With the proposed budget being readied for discussions, Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House appropriations committee, called on his colleagues to “uphold principles of transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility throughout the budget deliberation process.”

“We must ensure that every peso is directed towards initiatives that will uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos, improve our infrastructure, strengthen our educational and health care systems and secure our nation’s future,” the Ako Bicol party-list congressman said.

With more than two months before the deadline for the filing of the certificates of candidacy in early October, the Commission on Elections was allotted P15 billion for the conduct of the May 2025 mid-term elections.

“Irrigation services” for the agriculture department was earmarked P24.6 billion, while Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program got P10 billion. Agricultural “credit program” was alloted P2.8 billion while P1.8 billion was set aside for the housing program (Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program).

Implementation of the Salary Standardization Law 6 for the 1.6 million-strong government workforce was given a budget of P70 billion.

“It’s crucial that we examine each allocation meticulously to ensure the most effective use of our resources,” Co said. “The road ahead is full of challenges, but with this proposed budget, we have a robust framework to guide our efforts.”

Co, president of the 54-member Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. in the House of Representatives, said the 2025 budget proposal is “not merely a financial plan but a strategic roadmap aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.”