By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has expressed confidence that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is likely to sign the 2024 P5.7 trillion national budget prior to his scheduled trip to Japan from December 16 to 18.
Diokno, responding to queries about the timing of the budget approval, stated, “Malamang,” indicating the probability of the budget signing before the President’s departure. He further explained, “I was talking to the liaison officer. The budget has been approved, and they are set to convene a conference committee by December 1st. There is ample time before the President leaves.”
The government’s 2024 budget, also referred to as the proposed General Appropriations Act, received approval from the House of Representatives during its third and final reading in late September. However, a limited number of House leaders were initially informed about the reallocation of surveillance funding.
Following Senate approval of the proposed budget, both chambers will convene at the bicameral conference for the finalization of the bill. Upon Congress’s approval and ratification, the bill will be forwarded to Malacañang for the President’s signature.
(ai/mnm)
