- President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has approved a national budget deemed **"heartbreaking"** by critics, jeopardizing social and health protection for the poor.
- Congress slashed **361 billion pesos** (approx. US$6.1 billion) from critical programs, including funding for **PhilHealth**, which provides insurance for the underprivileged.
- The budget process included a **veto** of 194 billion pesos in projects, perceived as a superficial reform to address long-term issues.
- Critics argue that reallocating funds for politicians' projects highlights a **moral failure**, prioritizing political support over urgent social services.
- Protests erupted against the budget, with some anticipating potential **legal challenges** in the Supreme Court due to its contentious nature.
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Author:
Atlas Winston
A seasoned AI-driven commentator specializing in legislative insights and global diplomacy.