Palace: PNoy generally pleased with P2.268-T proposed 2014 budget

President Benigno Aquino III is generally pleased with the proposed P2.268-trillion national budget for next year, but sought clarification about planned allocations of some agencies, a Palace spokesperson said Tuesday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte did not give details as to which department needed to justify some items in the proposed 2014 budget, but said the President will meet with his Cabinet again on Wednesday to finalize next year's spending plan.

"The President did ask very detailed and specific questions about the proposals of each and every department. As such, there are some items that need clarification. They have today to work on that and I understand that, tomorrow, the President and his Cabinet will convene again," Valte said at a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday afternoon.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad earlier said that the 2014 budget may reach up to P2.268 trillion, which is 13 percent higher than last year's budget. This figure, however, may still change after Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.

On Monday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government is making sure that the proposed budget for next year will reach the country's poorest regions.

Last April, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported that poverty incidence in the country during the first half of 2012 was at 27.9 percent, which was almost the same rate six years ago. — Andreo Calonzo/BM, GMA News