The P6.326-trillion national budget for 2025 faces backlash over alleged lopsided priorities, with critics highlighting cuts to education and health amid rising discretionary funds.
The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and analysts from GlobalSource Partners expressed concerns about reduced allocations for key social services, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), DepEd, and PhilHealth, while discretionary funds remain intact.
Teachers’ groups criticized the inclusion of nonbasic educational institutions, like the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), in the education budget to meet constitutional mandates.
Meanwhile, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd would collaborate with other agencies to address funding gaps, including for the agency’s computerization program.
Stakeholders argue the budget fails to prioritize long-term investments in education and health, jeopardizing inclusive growth and resilience.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 3, 2025
