P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 signed, Sotto says

Amid issues of "pork" allegedly included in the P4.1 trillion proposed national budget for 2020, Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Saturday said he has signed the ratified General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on Friday evening. 

“Yes I did, last night. The President, Sec Avisado, Sen Lacson, and I already understand each others' concern," Sotto announced in a text message to reporters.

Senator Panfilo Lacson confirmed this, saying that he also passed the "list of questionable budget items" to Sotto, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Wendel Avisado.

"I already submitted [...] the list of questionable budget items. Having said that, I leave the fate of the national budget to their appreciation as it is purely presidential prerogative," he told reporters in a message.

"Transparent ang budget pero kung may concerns kami, alam na ng executive department. Kung whatever action the executive department does, sila na 'yun," Sotto also said in a radio interview.

The Senate President on Monday said he will take up Senator Panfilo Lacson's concerns about the P4.1-trillion proposed 2020 national budget with the executive department and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

However, Sotto clarified on Saturday that President Rodrigo Duterte will not be able to immediately sign the budget due to a long printing period.

"The latest will be January 6. 'Yun ang suspetsa namin na pinakamabilis na matapos ang printing kasi may mga holidays. May weekend. Sabihin lang nila, latest January 6," Sotto said.

The senator also chose not to divulge the "understanding" they had reached with each other as he may not be authorized. —Joahna Lei Casilao/KG, GMA News