July 14, 2024 - A week before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez assured that the House of Representatives is fully dedicated to advancing crucial legislative priorities. These include the 2025 national budget, priority bills from the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), and additional measures highlighted in the upcoming SONA.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized the House’s readiness to swiftly act on these priorities to sustain national growth under the Marcos administration. He eagerly awaits the executive branch's proposed P6.352-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP), expected by July 29, which will serve as the foundation for the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
Highlighting the significance of the 2025 national budget, set to increase by 10% from this year, Speaker Romualdez stressed its critical role in supporting the country’s development and addressing immediate citizen needs. He affirmed the House’s commitment to passing the GAB before the legislative break in September, ensuring timely consideration by the Senate.
In addition to the budget, Speaker Romualdez pledged to prioritize all legislative measures outlined in President Marcos’s SONA. He underscored the House's determination to collaborate closely with the executive branch to enact these measures efficiently.
Since the start of the 19th Congress, the House has made substantial legislative strides, passing 75 bills into law out of over 12,000 measures filed. Speaker Romualdez reaffirmed the House’s focus on completing LEDAC priority bills, aiming to finalize the legislative agenda before the Congress adjourns.
Looking ahead, Speaker Romualdez expressed optimism about enhanced collaboration with the Senate, aiming to achieve significant legislative milestones beneficial to the nation’s progress.
The upcoming SONA is expected to outline key legislative measures aimed at addressing pressing national issues and driving economic growth, underscoring the House's commitment to advancing these initiatives swiftly and effectively.