The Senate took a significant step on Monday by ratifying the final version of the proposed P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget measure. This move came after the bicameral conference committee report successfully reconciled the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the budget measure.
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, sponsored the report and highlighted the key provisions of the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). Notably, the bill includes a higher budget allocation for the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Angara emphasized that Congress continues to prioritize agencies focused on national defense and security. As a result, the DND and the AFP will receive a P238.357 billion allocation for next year, representing a significant increase of P8.422 billion.
While defense is crucial, Angara also acknowledged the importance of education. He stated that education remains “a top priority” in the government’s expenditure plan for 2024. The budget includes increases for education agencies to support ongoing efforts in making educational opportunities more available and accessible.
The commitment to improving public health is another key aspect of the 2024 GAB. Angara confirmed additional funds for the Department of Health (DoH) budget items, such as the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients Program and the Health Facilities Enhancement Program. These augmentations reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector.
While the majority of senators supported the 2024 GAB, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel 3rd expressed concerns about the increase in unprogrammed funds. He questioned the rise from P281.9 billion, as proposed in the 2024 National Expenditures Program, to P731.4 billion.
Aside from defense, education, and health, the bicameral conference also affirmed support for efforts to enhance self-reliance in agriculture. This aims to raise the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk while ensuring food security. The 2024 budget includes funds for programs of the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies, covering areas such as rice, corn, livestock, high-value crops development, soil health, fisheries, agricultural research and development, and buffer stocking.
Furthermore, the 2024 budget will devote significant funds to infrastructure development, aiming to improve mobility through the construction of roads, bridges, railways, and seaports. It also emphasizes the need to protect the environment and respond to climate change.
Lastly, Angara highlighted that the 2024 budget will support the government’s efforts to promote the Philippines as a prime tourist destination while preserving its rich culture and heritage.
The Senate’s ratification of the P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget demonstrates the government’s commitment to various sectors, including defense, education, agriculture, infrastructure, health, and tourism. With these provisions, the government aims to strengthen national security, improve access to quality education, enhance self-reliance in agriculture, boost infrastructure development, safeguard the environment, and promote the country’s cultural heritage.
Source: The Manila Times
