President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said that he expects to sign the proposed 2024 national budget before Christmas.

In a recent press briefing, Marcos revealed that he is still waiting for the final report from the bicameral conference committee, which is currently putting the finishing touches on the document.

"We're waiting for that. So, they're putting the finishing touches on it. Maybe today or the day — in the coming days. But certainly, the minute it is finalized then we will immediately, of course, pass the budget," Marcos said.

He acknowledged the ongoing consultations throughout the year and expressed optimism about the budget's smooth passage.

"I would be very surprised if there are other issues that will suddenly arise that we hadn't anticipated or hadn't resolved. So, I don't see any problem with that," he stated.

When asked if he would sign the budget before Christmas, Marcos said: "Probably, yes."

However, he emphasized the need to defer to the bicam's schedule. "But you should ask the bicam to see what their schedule is," he clarified.

Last Monday, the Congress approved the proposed 2024 national budget amounting to P5.768 trillion. The approval sets the stage for its transmission to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his signature, turning it into law.

Before this, the Senate and the House of Representatives separately endorsed the unified budget bill prepared by the bicameral conference committee, which harmonized the differing versions from both chambers.

Senator Sonny Angara, heading the Senate Committee on Finance, said that the proposed 2024 budget is "enough to sustain the country's growth."

"This is a budget that will hopefully give hope to our fellow countrymen because the times now are somewhat uncertain, right?," Angara said.