PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is not rushing up to sign the P4.5-trillion 2021 national budget, says presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
In a news conference, Roque said that the President intends to affix his signature on the proposed P4.506-trillion national budget on December 28 –but not in Malacañang, but in Davao City where he intends to spend the holiday season.
Roque added that members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives are joining the ceremonial signing.
The Palace received the copy of the spending plan last Friday as Roque said Duterte would exercise his line-item veto power if needed.
Next year’s budget is expected to fund measures aimed at improving the country’s healthcare system, ensuring food security, increasing investments in public and digital infrastructure and helping communities cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around P23 billion has been realigned by lawmakers for the rehabilitation of communities affected by the strong typhoons that hit the country this year. Congress also approved an allocation of P72.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccines.
Lawmakers also extended the validity of the 2020 General Appropriations Act until December 31, 2021.
Another proposed legislation passed by Congress seeks to extend the validity of funds under Bayanihan to Recover as One Act until June 30, 2021.