Palace: Marcos 'purged' unnecessary items from 2025 budget

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s handling of the 2025 national budget, saying he had “thoroughly purged” it of unnecessary expenditures.

“What should be remembered is that the President directly vetoed the largest amount of appropriations in history,” said Bersamin. “No president before him had ever so deeply and comprehensively purged the budget of unnecessary items.”

He added that Marcos had ordered the reallocation of billions toward projects and programs aimed at creating social benefits, driving progress, and improving public welfare.

“Having undergone adjustments permitted by law, the funds will be released transparently and in accordance with good governance principles and laws,” Bersamin assured.

“All of this stems from the recognition that financing the budget is shouldered by the people; therefore, its implementation must honor the sacrifices they have made.”

Bersamin's remarks came after the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) raised concerns about governance and alleged fund misuse in a pastoral letter issued on February 2, titled “May Pag-asa Pa Ba?”

CBCP President Pablo Cardinal David expressed dismay over “the scandalous misuse of public funds and resources,” citing “questionable insertions, cuts, and adjustments in the national budget” and anti-poverty programs that foster “a culture of patronage and mendicancy.”

“As the Elections draw near, we see how platforms of popularity, dynasty, and patronage are again exploited, making politics into a family business,” David said.

Despite these concerns, the CBCP noted a “strong surge of hope” among Filipinos, urging leaders to uphold transparency, accountability, and genuine public service.

Meanwhile, Fr. Tito Caluag echoed similar sentiments in his online Mass, calling for a shift from an “ayuda-driven budget” to programs that empower people and promote human development.

“It is time that we each take a stand... that we may be able to do something positive towards overcoming corruption,” Caluag emphasized. — DVM, GMA Integrated News