By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate Committee on Finance completed on Tuesday (21 Nov 2023) its discussions on the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for the upcoming year.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced the conclusion of plenary deliberations on the 2024 national budget at around 4:42 a.m. Tuesday, marking the end of two weeks of marathon sessions.
The budget deliberations commenced in the first week of the month, with notable events including the withdrawal of confidential funds from the Office of the President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
On Monday, senators decided to reallocate the P300 million confidential funds of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, stated that they will submit the proposed amendment to the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) this week. Angara anticipates that the proposal could be approved during the second and third readings on Monday (27 Nov 2023).
Approval during the second and third readings can occur on the same day if the President certifies it as urgent.
(ai/mnm)
