Progressives protest cuts to signed 2025 national budget

Progressive groups gathered outside Malacañang on Monday to denounce the reduction of funding for several government programs in the P6.326 trillion 2025 national budget signed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Among the groups at the protest were BAYAN, Kadamay, Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and the Kabataan Party-list.

Kadamay criticized the P50-billion cut to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the government’s conditional cash transfer initiative.

“P114 billion ang pondo ng 4Ps para sa 4.4 million na mga benepisyaryo. Pero dahil tinanggalan ng P50 billion, 40% ng mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps ang mawawalan ng tulong mula sa ating pamahalaan at mapupunta sa korapsyon,” said Kadamay Secretary General Mimi Domingo.

(There’s a P114-billion budget for the 4.4 million beneficiaries of 4Ps. However, with the P50-billion reduction, 40% of beneficiaries may lose government assistance, potentially redirecting funds to corruption.)

The Kabataan Party-list also condemned budget cuts in the Department of Education, citing the 1987 Constitution, which prioritizes education funding.

“Ano ba ang epekto ng pagtanggal ng isang malaking budget sa edukasyon? Napupwersa ang kabataan na hindi mag-aral,” Kabataan Executive Vice President Renee Co.

(What happens when you slash a significant portion of the education budget? It forces our youth to stop pursuing their education.)

Out of the P6.326 trillion budget, Marcos vetoed over P194 billion in line items that he deemed inconsistent with his administration's priorities, including certain projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The President stated that the government would pursue conditional implementation of specific items to ensure public funds are utilized for their authorized and intended purposes. — DVM, GMA Integrated News