EDITORIAL: Prudent Prioritization

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr.’s signing of the P6.326-trillion national budget for 2025 sends a clear message: fiscal prudence and strategic prioritization are the government’s guiding principles.

As the administration commits to social services, education, and health, Filipinos are left to hope that the budget’s conscientious utilization will translate into tangible improvements in their lives.

The budget, initially pegged at P6.352 trillion, saw P194 billion in line items vetoed—projects deemed inconsistent with the administration’s goals. Among these are P26 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways and P168 billion in unprogrammed appropriations.

President Marcos justified these cuts by emphasizing the need for every centavo to serve programs that “uplift lives, strengthen communities, and secure the future development of the Philippines.” While this is commendable, it raises questions about the effectiveness of previous budget planning and how such misaligned proposals made their way into the budget process.

The education sector remains the top priority, receiving P1.055 trillion, followed closely by the Department of Public Works and Highways with P1.007 trillion.

However, notable budget reductions were made to critical agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (P86 billion), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (P74.5 billion), and the Department of Education (P12 billion).

These cuts may seem counterintuitive, particularly when social welfare and health are touted as key pillars of national progress.

Conditional implementation of programs, such as the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), demonstrates a cautious approach. While ensuring compliance with guidelines and laws may prevent misuse, it also delays the immediate impact of these programs on vulnerable communities.

This careful scrutiny must not become a bureaucratic bottleneck that leaves Filipinos waiting for assistance when they need it most.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has framed conditional implementation as a safeguard against duplication and inefficiency, but it also underscores a lack of readiness in implementing agencies. Strengthening these agencies should be as much a priority as ensuring fiscal prudence.

President Marcos’ focus on fiscal consolidation, poverty reduction, and achieving upper middle-income status is ambitious but achievable only with robust execution.

The call for strategic growth-focused reforms aligns with the country’s aspirations, yet sustaining high growth while curbing inflation will require balancing infrastructure development with social equity.

As this administration positions itself as a steward of taxpayers’ money, its success will ultimately be judged by results. The public expects more than just promises and pronouncements.

They demand real progress: better schools, accessible healthcare, effective social services, and visible improvements in their daily lives.

The 2025 national budget reflects the administration’s priorities, but whether these priorities will address the immediate and long-term needs of Filipinos remains to be seen.

Accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes must underpin its implementation. Only then can the government truly claim to have delivered a budget for the people.