MANILA, Philippines — The 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) is undergoing a thorough review to address allegations of unconstitutional provisions, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin Thursday. 

In a statement, Bersamin said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet are carefully examining the spending plan to ensure it aligns with the Constitution while prioritizing the administration’s key legacy goals. 

“The President and the Cabinet are right now (with or without the calls) thoroughly reviewing the various items of the GAA to make them conform to the Constitution, and to see to it that the budget prioritizes the main legacy thrusts of the administration,” Bersamin said.

He said that Marcos has been prudent in allocating the country’s limited fiscal resources.

The statement comes amid increasing calls to address contentious items in the 2025 GAB ahead of its scheduled signing on December 30. 

Among these concerns, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri urged the administration to address issues such as the Department of Education’s computerization program, the alleged lack of prioritization for the education sector, and the absence of funding for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

The chief executive’s sister Senator Imee Marcos has also called out his brother after it slashed the subsidy of the state insurer.

Imee has rebuked her brother for the lack of details and explanation as to why the  state insurer received zero subsidy under the proposed 2025 national budget.

”Walang mga detalye o paliwanag, ni walang konkretong numero. Ang tanging hawak ko ay ang ilang datos ng DSWD na talagang nilapastangan, lalo na itong PhilHealth,” Imee said Monday.

She later said that she did not sign any document related to the 2025 budget or its Bicameral Committee report that “advocates for reducing funds for legitimate projects in favor of the AKAP program,” which she has already opposed.

Originally set for signing on December 20, the 2025 GAB’s enactment has been delayed due to what Bersamin described as a “rigorous and exhaustive” review. 

Once approved, the bill will become the 2025 General Appropriations Act.