President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his economic team went through the 2025 national budget with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that it follows the Constitution while committing that it will be passed before the end of the year.

Despite the demands of signing the 2025 budget, the Chief Executive performed his other presidential duties during the holidays.

The following were his activities, listed through a collaboration between Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office:

23 December

Reenacted budget not possible

There were no discussions of a reenacted budget for 2025, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and members of his Cabinet carefully reviewed the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

Mr. Marcos met with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and his economic managers to examine the proposed P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget in Malacañang, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The printed copy of the spending bill was received by the Palace late in the afternoon of 20 December, PCO Secretary Cesar Chavez told reporters.

Focus remains on uplifting lives, economy

Mr. Marcos remains focused on uplifting lives, driving economic growth, and securing the country’s future amid the results of the recent Pulse Asia survey on his approval and trust ratings.

Executive Secretary Bersamin said high popularity ratings are a bonus but executive decisions are motivated by public interest and not by opinion polls.

He said surveys were not the sole measurement of governance as there were more important metrics, such as employment.

24 December

Celebrate meaningful, joyful Christmas

The First Family enjoined all Filipino families to celebrate a simple yet meaningful and joyful Christmas celebration, in a video message.

President Marcos said Filipinos celebrate the most joyful Christmas in the world and recognized Filipino resilience despite this year’s challenges.

First Lady Liza Marcos and Rep. Sandro Marcos invited everyone to visit the Christmas sceneries around the country, while presidential sons Simon and Vincent urged Filipinos to visit churches and dine together as families.

The President said Christmas celebrations don’t need to be luxurious because Christmas for Filipinos is about love and generosity.

25 December

Love, peace, happiness for Filipinos

Mr. Marcos on Christmas expressed optimism that love and peace will prevail, as Filipinos reflect on the true meaning of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In his message, the President said Christmas is a crucial part of the core beliefs of the Filipino faithful, as the occasion allows them to experience God’s presence “in its nearest and most intimate form, evoking gratitude, kindness, and happiness to one and all.”

He said the celebration and significance of the birth of Jesus Christ transcend the constraints of religion, extending its invitation of joy and thanksgiving to everyone “no matter their background.”

26 December

Marcos to ensure 2025 budget constitutional

The Chief Executive guarantees the constitutionality of the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), Executive Secretary Bersamin said Thursday.

In a statement, Bersamin said an exhaustive review of the spending plan for next year was underway to address the allegedly unconstitutional items in the budget bill.

“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.

Spend time for 2024 MMFF

In a message, the President encouraged Filipino moviegoers to watch the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries this year, which is just in time for the holiday season.

Among the film entries are “And the Breadwinner is…,” “Green Bones,” “Isang Himala,” “The Kingdom,” “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital,” “Espantaho,” Hold Me Close,” “My Future You,” “Topakk” and “Uninvited.”

Prices lower with Rice-for-All

Rice retailers started lowering prices after the successful implementation of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Rice-for-All program across Metro Manila.

The Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders said the program made a dent in the staple’s price, which also ensures the smooth distribution of affordable rice at P40 per kilo with a 25-kilogram limit per person.

Rice being sold at Kadiwa stores is cheaper by P3 to P5 per kilo compared with to market retailers, resulting in increased sales by rolling stores.

27 December

EO for FTA with SoKor

The Palace announced the issuance of Executive Order No. 80 implementing the schedule of tariff commitments under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea.

Under EO 80, signed by Executive Secretary Bersamin, President Marcos said there was a need to modify import duty rates on certain imported articles to comply with the Philippine Schedule of Tariff Commitments under the PH-KR FTA.

The EO, signed last 23 December, states that all articles listed in the Schedule of Tariff Commitments under the PH-KR FTA shall be subject to the rates of import duties at the time of importation.