‘Golden Age’ of Budget Cuts

By Artchil B. Fernandez

Restoring the mythical “Golden Age” is one of the campaign promises of Bongbong Marcos (BBM). One of the lies the Marcos family peddled in the 2022 election is the fictional “Golden Age” during the dictatorship of Marcos Sr. The Marcoses falsely claimed their 20-year rule (1965–1986) was a “Golden Age” where the Philippines was a rich, progressive, and prosperous nation. This is pure fabrication.

Despite lacking any factual basis, the “Golden Age” hoax duped many voters. A significant portion of the electorate voted for BBM, believing the “Golden Age” fraud and hoping for its restoration.

Nearly three years into his term, the only sign of an impending “Golden Age” is the massive budget cuts in the 2025 national budget. The reign of BBM is turning out to be a “Golden Age” of budget cuts in social services and reduced funding for areas that matter most to poor and needy Filipinos.

The 2025 national budget, approved by the bicameral conference committee of Congress, is generating controversy for its massive cuts in education, health, and other vital services. On the other hand, the 2025 national budget saw a huge increase in infrastructure spending, which politicians can use to secure votes. It appears the 2025 national budget is an enormous pork barrel.

One glaring disparity in the 2025 national budget is the allocations for the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). While DepEd’s budget was reduced, DPWH’s was massively increased.

A total of PHP 12 billion was cut from DepEd’s 2025 proposed budget of PHP 748.65 billion. This includes PHP 10 billion for the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP), which aims to improve access to technology for thousands of public schools across the country. Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed dismay over the reduction, stating that the cut “could have funded thousands of computers/gadgets for our public school children.” Aside from basic education, higher education also faced budget cuts.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was allocated PHP 33.3 billion for next year, which is PHP 3.4 billion lower than its 2024 budget of PHP 36.7 billion. The PHP 122.2 billion allotment for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in 2025 is PHP 5.8 billion less than the previous year’s PHP 128 billion. The University of the Philippines (UP) system’s budget was reduced from PHP 24.8 billion in 2024 to PHP 22.7 billion in 2025. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) budget was also reduced by PHP 1.1 billion.

While DepEd’s budget was reduced from PHP 748.65 billion to PHP 737 billion, DPWH’s budget grew by PHP 288.6 billion, reaching PHP 1.113 trillion—a record amount. This increase was not part of the original executive proposal but was inserted by lawmakers. The inclusion of such a massive amount raises suspicions, especially during an election year. Are lawmakers engaged in fundraising to cover or recover expenses?

It is not only education that suffered budget cuts; other social services also faced reductions. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) budget decreased by PHP 95.9 billion, while the Department of Health (DOH) saw its funding slashed by PHP 25.7 billion. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) budget was reduced by PHP 18 billion, and the Department of Transportation (DoTr) budget by PHP 16.6 billion. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) also experienced a cut of PHP 582.7 million.

Worse, the state health insurer PhilHealth received zero subsidy as the bicameral committee removed its PHP 74.43 billion allocation. This implies less capacity for PhilHealth to meet its obligations, potentially shifting the burden to direct contributors. Government support for PhilHealth is intended to cover the “premium subsidy” for indirect contributors, mainly the poor and seniors. This puts the lives of those in need of medical support and services in danger. Vulnerable sectors will undoubtedly suffer.

The 2025 national budget reveals the priorities of the country’s leaders. They appear more concerned with their interests than the welfare of Filipinos. If leaders were genuinely alarmed by the country’s poor Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranking, which shows that nine out of 10 Filipino children cannot read, they would increase, not decrease, DepEd’s budget.

Why remove PhilHealth’s subsidy if the leaders’ hearts truly bleed for the poor and vulnerable? Allocations for health should be increased if leaders are indeed troubled by the plight of marginalized sectors struggling to access health services.

Education and health are crucial human capital investments for national development. The budget should heavily invest in them. Instead, the current leaders appear to prioritize self-serving interests.

The enormous increase in DPWH’s budget raises questions. Infrastructure projects often serve as a source of corruption through standard operating procedure (SOP) practices. That this is the leaders’ top priority underscores where their true interests lie. The bicameral committee also added PHP 373 billion to unprogrammed appropriations in the 2025 budget. This vast sum can serve as pork barrel funds for politicians to dispense patronage.

The 2025 national budget seems designed for corruption, compelling voters to grovel for crumbs from politicians.

It appears the country’s leaders have a different “Golden Age” in mind. While the 2025 national budget represents a “Golden Age” of budget cuts that deprive Filipinos of essential social services, it is a golden opportunity for politicians to enrich themselves. The 2025 budget fattens the pockets of dynastic politicians and strengthens their hold on power.

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