By Liza Soriano
MANILA – The Senate Committee on Finance swiftly approved the Office of the President’s (OP) proposed budget of ₱10.506 billion for 2025 in under 10 minutes on Monday, September 23, 2024.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin noted that the proposed budget is 1.88% lower than last year’s allocation.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada promptly motioned to approve the budget and terminate the hearing, with support from Sen. Nancy Binay.
“Halfway through his term, the President must be given the necessary budget to achieve our goals, especially those outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” Estrada said.
“These efforts must continue with vigor and careful coordination across various government agencies,” he added.
The budget was approved by Senate Finance Committee chairperson Sen. Grace Poe and has been submitted for plenary approval.
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