NEDA Highlights Vetoed Appropriations Worth ₱194 Billion

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for vetoing appropriations in the 2025 national budget that are not aligned with the needs of Filipinos.

Initially amounting to ₱6.352 trillion, the budget was reduced to ₱6.326 trillion following the veto of ₱194 billion worth of line items deemed “inconsistent with the administration’s priority programs.”

NEDA chief Arsenio Balisacan commended President Marcos for carefully vetoing specific line items in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for next year.

He also lauded the President for imposing conditions on the implementation of certain programs and projects, such as requiring the issuance of guidelines and compliance with relevant laws, policies, and regulations.

According to Balisacan, the President’s decisive actions “demonstrate the administration’s commitment to a fiscal program by ensuring that planned spending remains within the target deficit ceiling, keeping us on track to meet our medium-term fiscal targets.”

After a thorough review of the 2025 GAA, President Marcos signed the national budget.

Initially amounting to ₱6.352 trillion, the budget was reduced to ₱6.326 trillion following the veto of ₱194 billion worth of line items deemed “inconsistent with the administration’s priority programs.”

Of the vetoed amount, ₱26.065 billion came from projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), while ₱168.240 billion was removed from “Unprogrammed Appropriations.”

The President also mandated conditional implementation for specific items to ensure funds are utilized effectively, emphasizing that government spending should address long-term issues rather than serve as temporary solutions.

Balisacan expressed full support for the newly signed national budget, stating, “The 2025 GAA supports the goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, including attaining our medium-term targets as approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee.”

He added, “The budget prioritizes strategic investments in social services, with substantial allocations for education, health, and social welfare programs, as well as infrastructure projects to boost growth.”

These investments, Balisacan said, are crucial for achieving the Philippine Development Plan’s targets related to human capital development and poverty reduction, consistent with the Marcos administration’s commitment to public welfare and fiscal responsibility.