Duterte repeals Arroyo’s order on gov’t austerity measures

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday repealed an administrative order of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that set austerity measures in the government.

Duterte issued Administrative Order No. 6, repealing AO No. 103 (s. 2004), which was meant to meet the country’s fiscal targets, maintain its macroeconomic stability, and improve investor confidence.

Duterte said the country’s fiscal condition since AO No. 103 was released had “significantly improved.”

“With the country’s improved fiscal situation, the government could, among other initiatives, increase infrastructure and social spending, implement public expenditure management reforms with greater intensity, streamline government operations, and make public service delivery more efficient in order to give the Filipino people the best value for taxes,” the AO read.

“Repealing AO No. 103 is aligned with the strategies of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, which provides for, among others, the improve budget utilization and address underspending of government agenices,” it added.

The Department of Budget and Management will issue the necessary guidelines to inform and remind all national government agencies of existing laws, rules, and regulations within 30 days.

Duterte’s latest AO will take effect immediately.  —KBK, GMA News