The 2025 proposed national budget remains in the headlines for two weeks now. An unprecedented public uproar generated by the unchecked greed of our lawmakers, reflected in the unconstitutional provisions of the proposed 2025 national budget, forced President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to re-schedule the signing of what has been dubbed as the most corrupt budget in Philippine history on Rizal Day, Dec. 30.
His executive secretary, Lucas Bersamin, earlier said that the President postponed the original budget signing set on Dec. 20, saying it needed "more time for a rigorous and exhaustive review."
As I mentioned in my previous column, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was the biggest winner in the bastardized budget, with Congress pouring in an extra P288.65 billion, making the DPWH budget balloon into a record-high of P1.113 trillion.
The amount of P288.65 billion was arrived at by deducting funds from various agencies, including P10 billion from the Department of Education (DepEd), P30 billion from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), P50 billion from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), P74 billion from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), among others.
The proposed 2025 national budget clearly favors politicians who want to safeguard their positions of power by turning the budget into their own personal slush fund in an election year. This rottenness in our budget system was earlier exposed by Vice President Inday Sara Duterte when she revealed that only two personalities control the budget of the Philippines, namely House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his loyal factotum, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.
Bu hikaye The Philippine Star dergisinin December 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Philippine Star dergisinin December 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Jolina and Marvin Reunite After 25 Years As 'Ex Ex Lovers'
Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin are proving that some love teams are built to last.
'Hello, Love, Again,' 50th MMFF Entries to Screen at Manila International Film Festival
The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) returns for its second edition from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Arnold Clavio on the 'blessing of a second life' after surviving stroke
For veteran broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio, life has taken on a new meaning after surviving a hemorrhagic stroke.
HORIZON MAKES PINOYS PROUD BY PERFORMING ON GLOBAL STAGES
South Korea-based Filipino boy band Hori7on makes big splashes while riding the Korean Wave, or Hallyu. The idol group is composed of Vinci, Marcus, Reyster, Kim, Jeromy, Kyler, and Winston.
Filipino Time': Is It Time To Change This Tardy Tradition And Unfair Name?
Do you know the Philippines officially observes \"National Time Consciousness Week\" during the first week of January? I believe it's a moment of reflection on our collective relationship with time.
WTF (What the French)?
Quebec is a beautiful blend of old-world French charm and modern Canadian flair. It was cold, it was snowy, and yes, there was a lot of French, but it was also a whole lot of fun.
BAGUIO'S HIDDEN GEMS: KIDLAT'S WONDERFUL WARREN. A SECRET GALLERY AND TALES OF ATOK
Every time I visit Baguio, there are new gems to uncover and more stories to deepen my appreciation of this Cordillera wonderland.
Baguio's Hidden Gems: Kidlat's Wonderful Warren, A Secret Gallery and Tales of Atok
Explore Baguio's lesser-known gems, from a hidden artisan village to a secret art gallery showcasing masterpieces by renowned Filipino artists.
Question your success
As we look back, the day people were asked to bring their laptops and stuff home because of \"quarantine\" and \"lockdown\" as mandated by the government has been over four years ago.
Capital One continues social responsibility efforts
Capital One Philippines continued to strengthen its commitment to social responsibility in the past year through various volunteerism and donation efforts.
