As the House reopened its session, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe has announced that the ratification of the proposed P6.352 trillion national budget will be the top priority, setting the stage for crucial discussions on fiscal policy and government funding for the upcoming year.
Dalipe stated that they expect the Senate to finish its version of the budget proposal so that it can be discussed in the bicameral conference committee and a version can be created that will be ratified by both houses.
“We hope to ratify the bicam report before our Dec. 20 Christmas break. There is enough time to approve the final version of the budget,” said Dalipe.
Dalipe assured that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign the 2025 budget before the end of the year 2024.
“As in the past, the spending program for the coming year will be in place before the current fiscal year is over to ensure continuity of spending and seamless implementation of activities and programs,” Dalipe stated.
In addition to budget matters, the House will also perform its oversight function through various committee hearings such as the Quad Commission, Good Government and Public Accountability, and Quinta Commission, which were established in September.
“We remain steadfast in protecting our people from abuses and in exposing acts of wrongdoing in government,” added Dalipe.
Dalipe mentioned that the Quad Commission will conduct hearings related to the bloody war on drugs campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte, which resulted in numerous extrajudicial killings, illicit drug trade, and operations of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will also continue its investigation into the questionable use of hundreds of millions in confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte’s office.
The Quinta Commission will investigate smuggling and price manipulation of essential commodities to protect the public against unjust price increases.
In addition to the proposed 2025 government budget, Dalipe stated that the House will also work to pass the remaining LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) priority bills such as the Budget Modernization Bill, National Defense Bill, amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law, and amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease.
The House has completed 26 out of 28 proposals prioritized for legislation by LEDAC before the end of the 19th Congress on June 30, 2025.
The only remaining proposals are the amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law and the amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease.
Out of the 24 completed by the House, six have already been signed by President Marcos: the amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act No. 12009), Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act (RA 12010), amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act (RA 12022), VAT on Digital Transactions (RA 12023), Self-Reliant Defense Posture Act (RA 12024), and the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program (RA 12028).
Four have already been sent to the President for his signature: the CREATE MORE Bill, Philippine Maritime Zones Act, Archipelagic Sea Lanes Bill, and the Enterprise-Based Education and Training Program Bill.
Within 166 session days since the start of the 19th Congress in 2022, Dalipe stated that the House has processed 4,504 proposals, averaging 27 per day. Of these proposals, 103 have become law. (Photo taken from https://www.datarails.com/best-business-budgeting-software/)
