Time enough for 2021 budget deliberations –Gatchalian

There was enough time for deliberations on the proposed 2021 national budget following its approval by the House of Representatives, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said over the weekend.

"Sana mas maaga pa pero that's enough time. Buti nga naaprubahan na at ita-transmit sa atin," Gatchalian said in a radio interview.

"Alam naman natin sa floor bakbakan 'yan at umaabot ng matagal, gusto natin masuri mabuti at makita mabuti kaya nagpapasalamat ako kay Speaker Lord dahil naipasa agad kahapon at magta-transmit na sila so we have enough time," he added.

The House of Representatives and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, approved the P4.5-trillion budget for 2021 on third and final reading.

The chamber last week made official the election of Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco as Speaker, following a squabble with former Speaker Taguig Representative Alan Peter Cayetano.

Both representatives, in a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, committed to pass the 2021 budget on time.

Concerned over a possible budget reenactment, the business sector had called on politicians to set aside their interests and prioritize the country's needs. — DVM, GMA News