Malacañang assured Filipinos that it will do its best to thoroughly review the proposed PHP4.506-trillion national budget for 2021 coming from the Congress.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace will “take all steps necessary” to enact the 2021 General Appropriations Bill on time to avert a reenacted budget scenario.
“Ang bibigyan po natin ng kasiguraduhan eh bibilisan naman po ng Palasyo ang pagsusuri sa budget para malaman kung mayroong mga specific line item na ibi-veto ang Presidente. Pero siyempre po lahat iyan mangyari ngayon na dahil kinakailangan magkaroon tayo ng budget pagdating ng a-uno ng Enero,” Roque said.
Despite the speedy review, Roque said Duterte will remain detail-oriented in his scrutiny and his power of line veto.
“Pero hindi po isasakripisyo o isu-surrender ng Palasyo, ng Presidente, ‘yung kanyang kapangyarihan na pag-aralan ang budget at siguraduhin na walang dapat na item ng appropriation na dapat ma-veto,” he said.
Both chambers of Congress have ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the 2021 budget.
