2021 national budget sent to Malacañang for Duterte’s signature

Malacañang received a copy of the proposed P4.506-trillion national budget for 2021 on Friday, paving the way for the review and possible enactment later this year by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson said that  Congress forwarded the budget bill to the Office of President.

The education sector got the highest allocation with P708.2 billion, followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways with P694.8 billion.

The health sector got an allocation of P287.47 billion, which includes P72.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccines.

The Palace earlier said Duterte would exercise his line-item veto power if needed and that he might sign the 2021 budget before Christmas.

Lawmakers also extended the validity of the 2020 General Appropriations Act until December 31, 2021.

Another proposed legislation passed by Congress seeks to extend the validity of funds under Bayanihan to Recover as One Act until June 30, 2021. — DVM, GMA News