The Senate, on Tuesday, November 28, took a significant step forward by approving the proposed 2024 national budget on its final reading. The budget, amounting to P5.768 trillion, received 21 affirmative votes, paving the way for further deliberations.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel 3rd abstained from voting, citing his objection to the certification of the General Appropriations Act (GAB) as urgent. This move highlights the importance of adhering to proper legislative processes.
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri noted that the bill was certified as urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The urgency stems from the need to ensure continuous government operations beyond the fiscal year.
The proposed budget represents a 9.5 percent increase from the previous year’s spending plan of P5.268 trillion. This increase reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the nation.
Throughout the budget deliberations, various agencies either waived or requested reductions in their confidential and intelligence funds. Notable among them were the Office of the Vice President, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Ombudsman. These actions demonstrate a concerted effort to allocate resources more efficiently and transparently.
With the Senate’s approval of the GAB, the next step is the convening of a bicameral conference. This conference aims to reconcile the differing provisions of the budget measures passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Once the bicameral conference concludes, the final version of the GAB will be ratified separately by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Subsequently, it will be sent to Malacañang for the President’s review and approval.
Leading the Senate contingent in the Bicameral Conference Committee will be Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. His expertise and leadership will be crucial in ensuring a fair and balanced final budget that benefits the Filipino people.
The approval of the proposed 2024 national budget by the Senate marks a significant milestone in the legislative process. It demonstrates the commitment of our lawmakers to address the nation’s priorities and provide for the needs of the people. As the budget moves forward to the bicameral conference, we can expect further deliberations and refinements to ensure an effective allocation of resources.
Ultimately, the goal is to have a budget that reflects the aspirations and necessities of the Filipino people. By adhering to proper legislative procedures and engaging in constructive dialogue, our lawmakers can work towards a budget that promotes the welfare and development of the nation.
Source: The Manila Times
