President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday certified as urgent the measures to extend the validity of some laws for the government’s continuous response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the measures are the 2020 General Appropriations Act and the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) which the Chief Executive wants to be effective until next year.
On the same day, the House of Representatives has immediately passed on third and final reading with 221-6-0 votes the bill extending the validity of the 2020 budget.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Malacañang is still waiting for the ratified version of the proposed 2021 national budget.
“Baka po habang kayong lahat ay nagdiriwang, kami rito sa Palasyo ay nagbubusisi ng budget (While you will be all celebrating, we at the Palace will be reviewing the budget),” he shared.
“Pero kinakailangan pong mapirmahan ‘yan with or without veto at magkaroon po ng sapat na panahon para ma-publish ‘yan dahil we cannot afford nga po a reenacted budget (But it has to be signed with or without a veto to have enough time to publish it because we cannot afford a reenacted budget),” he added.
Regarding other activities of President Duterte, it was already confirmed that he will be having a full cabinet meeting today, December 14. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
