Rody submits P3.7-T budget for 2019

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte submitted to the House of Representatives yesterday the first cash-based budget for 2019 after he delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

This was confirmed by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who said Duterte’s administration would continue to pursue the sound and proven medium-term fiscal program to raise revenues and finance the P3.757-trillion cash-based appropriations for 2019.   

 “The bottom line principle behind the cash-based appropriations system is this – national government agencies will not be measured on the basis of their obligations, which are mere commitments, but on their actions, their real outputs, through PAPs (programs, activities and projects) that they have delivered and spent for,” Duterte said. 

It will also be advantageous to contractors and service contractors to compel delivery and completion of projects, he added.

The President presented the 2019 budget which he called a milestone for the Filipino people where he resolved to continue to build a prosperous, high-income economy with a pre-dominantly middle class society by 2040.

“We are moving toward half-time in the period that has been given to me and my administration to experience the life that they aspire for, the life that they deserve,” he said, pushing for his dream to build a comfortable life and a peaceful and more progressive nation for the Filipinos.

Duterte’s budget message was 48 pages long, titled “Building a Bright Future for the Philippines and its People.”

“It was also within the second year of my administration that we are able to push for the landmark legislation that will have the greatest and most far-reaching impact on our future,” the Chief Executive said, referring to the TRAIN law.

 “Despite what may seem to be initial shadowy twists and turns along the way, as early as now, at half-time, we have been accorded a glimpse of the bright future that awaits our future,” he said.  

Duterte said the 2019 national budget of P3.757-trillion would guarantee the next chapter and the fulfillment of his administration’s promise to bring change for the country and the nation.