The House of Representatives turned over to the Senate on Saturday the approved P5.768-trillion General Appropriations Bill, or GAB, for next year.
A year's budget is usually sealed for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s approval during the final part of the previous year, which means that the government has two months before it would resort to a reenacted budget.
The measure passed by the House included P194.5 billion in realigned funds to boost national security, protect Filipinos from global inflation, and ensure food security.
Senators Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Nancy Binay and Loren Legarda were present during the turnover of the bill.
Pork-free measure
In a short message, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez thanked House members for the exhaustive and transparent budget proceedings.
"I am proud of the finished product we are handing over formally to the Senate. The House of the People remained steadfast in its commitment to timely, transparent budgeting, free from the shadows of the pork barrel. We meticulously scrutinized every peso, ensuring that it serves the welfare and aspirations of the nation and our people," Romualdez said.
He said the 2024 budget was exhaustively reviewed to address the pressing concerns of ordinary Filipinos, especially in these trying times of global inflation and the escalating prices of basic commodities.
"The House has made significant institutional and individual amendments to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for this particular problem," he said.
He added: "The rising costs have undeniably affected our fellow Filipinos. It is our duty to respond promptly and effectively. With the amendments we've incorporated, we aim to alleviate the burden on every household and ensure that basic needs remain accessible and affordable."
In line with the Supreme Court ruling, Romualdez said reforms have been instituted to ensure the complete abolition of the pork barrel system.
"The House remains firm in its commitment to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. We have taken stringent measures to ensure that every peso is allocated judiciously and in accordance with the law," he said. "Our reforms stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication to serve the Filipino people with integrity."
Romualdez extended his appreciation to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and the Senate for their continued partnership in ensuring the betterment of the nation.
"Our joint responsibility is to ensure this budget genuinely represents the hopes and needs of our citizens. As we advance in our legislative journey, I appeal for everyone's continued engagement and oversight. Let's join forces, with shared goals and determination, for the prosperity of our cherished homeland," he said.
The House approved the bill on 27 September with a 296-3 vote and no abstentions.
The social services sector (health, education, culture, manpower development, social security, welfare, and employment) will receive the largest allocation of P2.183 trillion, or 37.9 percent of the total proposed national budget, under the House version. This represents an increase of P178.7 billion, or 8.9 percent, from the 2023 budget.