Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ G. Escudero welcomed the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which he described as a product of a truly collaborative process involving the inputs of various sectors, including the public.
While the signing took longer than expected, Escudero emphasized that the thorough review of the 2025 GAA by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his economic team was part of the normal budget process.
“The General Appropriations Act is not only the most important legislation but also the longest and most complicated bill that Congress is expected to pass every year. It should therefore no longer come as a surprise that the process is more prolonged and controversial compared to other bills and laws,” Escudero said.
“What is important is that the 2025 GAA was signed before the year ended and the country avoided starting the new year on a reenacted budget,” he added.
As stated by the Chief Executive, the inputs of the people were taken into account in his review of the national budget, which Escudero noted as “a positive sign that the President listens and that democracy is well and alive in the country.”
“If governance is defined as ‘allocating scarce resources’ then I am truly elated and encouraged that the people and all the branches of government took an active part in governance and governing of our country. This is precisely what democracy means, and it shows that we have a strong one where the system of checks and balances is alive and well,” Escudero said.
According to Escudero, while each chamber of Congress would have wanted to keep their respective initiatives and amendments, the process involved a lot of “give and take,” considering the reality that there are unlimited needs and finite resources.
“No one branch reigns supreme and dictates over the other. The expression of divergent and different opinions, views and suggestions regarding the GAA are all well taken and are part and parcel of the process,” Escudero said.
“Ultimately, however, regardless of whose side prevails, we must all come together, wiser, better, and stronger to face the challenges that lie ahead in the coming year as one nation and one people,” the Senate chief said.