2025 national budget, lusot na sa bicameral conference committee

Summary

The bicameral conference committee has approved the 2025 National Budget, including funding for key programs such as the Akap assistance program and the Office of the Vice President (OVP), which retains a budget of Php 733 million. The budget allocation for the Akap program was reduced from Php 39 billion to Php 20-26 billion, with Senate and House discussions focusing on execution transparency. Concerns were raised about the budgets for PH Health and the Department of Science and Technology, with some funding issues and monitoring equipment shortages highlighted. The government ensures proper budget usage for the benefit of the people.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2025 National Budget has been approved in the bicameral conference committee, with significant funding allocated for key programs like the AKAP (Akyat Pagtulong sa Kapwa) program and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
• 😀 The budget for the Office of the Vice President remains at PHP 733 million, a compromise reached during the bicameral conference.
• 😀 Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, emphasized that the OVP can still carry out its social service programs despite the set budget.
• 😀 The AKAP program's budget was initially proposed at PHP 39 billion, but it was reduced to approximately PHP 20 to 26 billion after negotiations.
• 😀 There was a push to ensure the AKAP program remains well-funded, with clarifications regarding its execution and use for the benefit of the people.
• 😀 The budget for military personnel was also addressed, with an increase in daily subsistence allowance for soldiers from PHP 150 to PHP 350, which will be maintained.
• 😀 Senator Grace Poe confirmed that the Senate is also focused on ensuring that funds for the military and other programs are effectively used.
• 😀 There were discussions surrounding the budget for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), with the agency needing to utilize its reserve funds before requesting additional funds.
• 😀 Legal issues concerning PhilHealth's reserve funds were raised, as there may be concerns about the legality of using those funds under current laws.
• 😀 Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed disappointment over the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) budget, particularly regarding a lack of additional funding for equipment needed to monitor volcanic activity.
• 😀 The leaders of both chambers of Congress are committed to ensuring that the final budget will be used wisely and directed towards benefiting the public, in alignment with the President's promises and vision.

Q & A

What is the status of the 2025 National Budget in the bicameral conference committee?

The 2025 National Budget has been approved by the bicameral conference committee, with discussions focusing on key issues like the budget for the 'Akap' program and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

What is the budget allocation for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in the 2025 National Budget?

The OVP's budget remains at PHP 733 million in the 2025 National Budget, as agreed upon in the bicameral conference committee.

How does Senator Grace Poe view the OVP's ability to manage its budget?

Senator Grace Poe believes that the OVP can still manage its programs effectively with the available budget, emphasizing the OVP’s social services allotment of PHP 600 million.

What adjustments were made to the 'Akap' program's budget in the 2025 National Budget?

The budget for the 'Akap' program was initially requested at PHP 39 billion, but it was reduced to approximately PHP 20-26 billion after discussions in the bicameral conference committee.

What was Senator Grace Poe's stance on the allocation for the 'Akap' program?

Senator Grace Poe emphasized that the allocation for the 'Akap' program was carefully revised to ensure transparency and proper use of the funds, with the final amount reflecting the need for balance in the budget.

What does Senator Sherwin Gatchalian's statement imply about the execution of the budget?

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted that while the legislative branch can only do so much in terms of budget allocation, the actual execution and implementation are the responsibility of the executive branch.

What positive news was shared regarding the budget for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)?

It was announced that the daily subsistence allowance for soldiers in the AFP will be increased from PHP 150 to PHP 350, and this increase will be maintained and fully supported.

What is the status of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) budget?

The budget for PhilHealth was not allocated as it is required to first use its reserve funds. There are concerns regarding the legality of not utilizing its funds, as it may be questioned under current laws.

What was the concern raised by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri regarding the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)?

Senator Zubiri expressed disappointment that the DOST did not receive additional funding in the budget, particularly since the agency was reportedly lacking monitoring equipment, as seen in the recent eruption of the Mayon Volcano.

How does the Congress leadership assure the public regarding the 2025 National Budget?

The leadership of both chambers of Congress assured that the 2025 National Budget will be used efficiently and in alignment with the needs of the people, ensuring that it is properly directed and will benefit the citizens.