‘Budget bill certification ensures timely passage’MANILA, Philippines — The certification by President Marcos of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) of 2024 (House Bill 8980) as “urgent” will ensure its passage on time as the House of Representatives conducts plenary deliberations on government agencies’ proposed allocations, lawmakers said. The “urgent” certification means the lower legislative chamber can pass the proposed P5.67-trillion national budget for 2024 on third and final reading next week, or until Sept. 30, before Congress – the Senate included – goes on a recess until Nov. 5. “The House stands united in its commitment to pass the 2024 national budget and support the government’s initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, social development and the well-being of every Filipino,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said. Meanwhile, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said he has secured a commitment from the Development and Budget Coordination Committee for the funding of the decommissioning of the remaining 14,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the 2024 national budget. Meanwhile, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) acting administrator Eduardo Guillen requested the House to restore the P91-billion budget the Department of Budget and Management removed from their original P132.4-billion allocation for 2024.

Source: Philippine Star September 21, 2023 19:05 UTC