DBM submits proposed P4.5 trillion budget for 2021

MANILA, Philippines — Budget Secretary Wendell Avisado submitted to the House of Representatives yesterday the executive department’s proposed P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021, which has also earmarked funds for acquisition of vaccines for COVID-19.

“We hope to fully address the impact of the pandemic and work towards economic recovery. This is geared towards saving lives. This National Expenditure Program is 9.9 percent higher than this year’s budget,” he told House officials, led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

The Cabinet member, who was accompanied by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, said the outlay has separate funding programs for vaccines and PPEs for hospitals. The outlay program is themed “Reset, Rebound and Recover: Investing for Resiliency and Sustainability.”

Cayetano described the budget prepared by the Department of Budget and Management as a “historic” one, in the sense that it came at a time when countries around the globe are grappling to solve the global pandemic, which has crippled practically all economies.

“We have to show our people that we have to be a pro-active in a post-Covid-19 world. I can assure you, there will be no corruption and no inefficiency. And let this be a warning to non-performing agencies: Don’t expect a smooth budget hearing,” he said.

The Taguig-Pateros congressman also assured the executive department that the House leadership will not get in the way of President Duterte’s bold effort to build an efficient mass transport, as well as digital and health-related infrastructure.

“We will heed the President’s call for a brave solution to problems and to have a swift action as well which he stated during his state of the nation address,” Cayetano said.

The Speaker vowed to finish the budget hearings by September so the House can transmit the document to the Senate for its concurrence, and eventually for bicameral conference committee sessions. He said they hope to have the budget program ready for President Duterte’s final approval before December.

Rep. Eric Go Yap, chairman of the House appropriations committee, assured the public that lawmakers would make sure that “every peso will be spent for the benefit of Filipinos.”

“We intend to sustain our economic growth and build on our previous gains while facing the pandemic head-on,” he said. “Rest assured, we will scrutinize this budget in light of the government’s promise to have this budget felt by our people.”

“Today is a symbol where we will buckle down to work as public servants. We will roll our sleeves up and work tirelessly - that is our promise. So, stay safe and stay healthy,” the administration lawmaker said.