The Philippines' 2025 national budget, totaling P6.326 trillion, has ignited debate due to its spending priorities and alleged misallocations. While education received the biggest share, concerns remain about funding for essential services like healthcare.
The Philippines' 2025 national budget, amounting to P6.326 trillion, has sparked significant discussion due to its allocations and the implications for various sectors. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2025 national budget into law on Dec. 30, 2024. The approved budget amounts to P6.33 trillion ($109.2 billion), marking a 10-percent increase in government spending. The education sector received the largest allocation of P1.
053 trillion, followed closely by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with P1.034 trillion. On the other hand, the military's modernization program budget was set at P35 billion, lower than the initially proposed P50 billion. In addition, Marcos vetoed over P194 billion in proposed spending, including approximately P26 billion worth of DPWH projects and P168 billion in unprogrammed appropriations, citing inconsistencies with the administration's priority programs.Allegations of misallocationsNevertheless, critics and many Filipinos have expressed significant concerns regarding the 2025 national budget, labeling it potentially the most corrupt in the country's history due to several factors, most particularly the allegations of misallocations and anomalies. Former finance officials and civil society groups have pointed out irregularities in budget allocation. For instance, substantial cuts to essential services, such as the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) defunding, have raised alarm about the government's spending priorities. Note that PhilHealth was allocated zero subsidy in the 2025 budget. Marcos justified this by citing that PhilHealth has substantial reserve funds. However, this decision has raised concerns about the sustainability of health care services and the potential impact on universal health coverage.On the other hand, despite education receiving the largest allocation of P1.053 trillion, concerns persist about the adequacy of funding for critical program
PHILIPPINES NATIONAL BUDGET EDUCATION HEALTHCARE CORRUPTION ALLLEGATIONS
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