00:00The bicameral conference committee hearing for the 2025 national budget began today
00:05with lawmakers aiming to iron out certain kinks in the measure,
00:09like the allocations for the office of the vice president and the ACA program.
00:13Were they able to do that? Daniel Manalastas reveals in this story.
00:20As the bicameral conference committee for the proposed 2025 national budget starts,
00:25Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Senator Grace Poe has this appeal
00:29to her fellow lawmakers. My only plea is for us conferees not to take ourselves too seriously.
00:44But let our differences become our strength. Let's use them to create a budget that's balanced,
00:50equitable, and pro-people. It is expected that lawmakers will try to reconcile
00:56some of the contentious provisions of the proposed 2025 budget,
01:00like the budget for the office of the vice president and the Ayuda sa Kaposang Kita program
01:05or ACAP. House Speaker Martin Romaldes wants a budget that puts the Filipino interest first.
01:11Let's keep things practical and straightforward. We don't need to overcomplicate this.
01:17Let's focus on what will make the biggest difference for the Filipino people. The
01:23programs that matter, the services that they rely on, and the investments that will move
01:29this country forward. Those should be non-negotiable. We may have different approaches,
01:36but the outcome must be the same. A budget that works for everyone.
01:42Senate President Francis Escudero meanwhile wants the proposed budget enacted on time.
01:53House Appropriations Committee Chairperson Elizalde Coe underscored the importance
02:13of the budget in combating inflation. As we move forward, let us find ways to reconcile
02:19our differences and ensure that our efforts align with the programs and priorities of the
02:26present administration. Let us seize this opportunity to shape the legacy of our
02:32collective work, one that reflects our shared commitment to build a stronger, more equitable,
02:40more resilient Philippines. Daniel Manalastans from the National TV for a new and better Philippines.
