2021 GAA to be first COVID-19 budget —Palace

The Philippine budget for 2021 will be mainly to support government efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its aftermath, Malacañang said Sunday.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr., the 2021 budget will be different from the current general appropriations act which does not include provisions for efforts against COVID-19.

"Siyempre ang budget sa 2021 will be the first COVID-19 budget sa ating gobyerno," he said.

"Siyempre 'yung budget for 2021 na inaasahang isusumite sa buwan ng Hulyo, ibang-iba ang istura niyan. Siyempre ang buong budget, nakatutok pa rin sa COVID-19 habang wala tayong bakuna at may ilang proyekto na kinakailangan sigurong isakripisyo para dito," added Roque.

Duterte in January approved the P4.1-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2020, with the Department of Education having the highest share of P654.6 billion.

Just last week, Malacañang said President Rodrigo Duterte may ask Congress to pass a supplemental budget to augment funds for the government's efforts against COVID-19.

For his part, Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio "Tony" Lambino II also last week said the Philippines' P1.49-trillion war chest against COVID-19 is estimated to be fully available by the end of April.

"Sa ngayon ay sapat ang budget natin para doon... 'Yan naman ay napasama na doon sa Bayanihan to Heal as One Act at ang hihingin siguro ng gobeyrno ay para doon sa budget matapos itong ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), at GCQ (general community quarantine) dahil talaga namang ang budget na binnigay sa atin ay humigit kumulang dalawang buwan," said Roque.

"Sa susunod na buwan ay wala tayong problema. Covered tayo ng Bayanihan Act, pero beyond that ay titignan natin kung ano pang mga pangangailangan. Meron ring binigay na awtoridad ang ating Kongreso sa ating Presidente na mag-realign ng budget," he explained.

President Rodrigo Duterte in March signed into law the Bayanihan to heal as One Act, allowing him to exercise additional powers to curb the spread of the COVID-19.  —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/LBG, GMA News