Duterte to sign 2021 budget bill before Christmas

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is ready to sign the P4.5-trillion budget for next year, rejecting the possibility that the government will be working on a reenacted budget in 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic, a Palace official said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque dismissed concerns that the signing of the budget might be delayed since the ratified version has yet to be transmitted to Malacañang, which intends to review every line and provision in the national budget.

According to Roque, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado has given the assurance that the national budget would be signed before the end of the year.

“We are planning a ceremonial signing of the budget before Christmas,” Roque said.

He said the Department of Budget and Management has been reviewing the ratified version of the 2021 national budget, particularly the provisions that may be vetted by the President.

Roque assured the public that Malacañang is not looking at having a reenacted budget for next year.