House OKs on final reading bill extending 2021 national budget validity to December 2022

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to extend the validity of the 2021 national budget to December 31, 2022.

Voting 168-6-0, the chamber approved House Bill 10373 which seeks to amend Section 62 of the general provisions of Republic Act 11518, the General Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2021, in order to allow agencies to fully utilize the allocated budget for this year.

The fiscal year 2021 had a budget of P4.5 trillion.

The measure stressed the need to implement government programs and projects and to ensure that the intended beneficiaries of basic services are reached.

Under the bill, the Department of Budget and Management is mandated to issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the cash budgeting system.

Gabriela party-list Representative Arlene Brosas, who voted against the measure, said that while there was a need to continue the programs that cater to the urgent needs of Filipinos as the pandemic enters its second year, "we cannot tolerate inefficiency and incompetence in the utilization of public funds."

"While the DBM already issued obligational authority for P4.39 trillion of the P4.5-trillion budget, the year is ending with billions still undisbursed and unutilized in various agencies," Brosas said.

Several senators have meanwhile expressed support for the extension of the availability of the 2021 national budget. — DVM, GMA News