Duterte signs P5-trillion national budget for 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday signed the P5.024-trillion national budget for 2022 into law.

"I want to express my appreciation to the members of Congress for ensuring the timely ratification of the more than P5-trillion national budget," Duterte said in a speech following the signing.

"I also recognize the efforts of our government agencies, our partners in civil society and other public servants who took part in the crafting of this important legislation."

Duterte said the passage of the law "reflects the healthy collaboration among all branches of government which is crucial in the attainment of our development goals especially during these trying times."

Ratified by both the Senate and House of Representatives on December 15, the General Appropriations Act of 2022 contains COVID-19-related allocations, including at least P50 billion for the Special Risk Allowances of medical frontliners and another P50 billion for booster shots.

"The 2022 GAA includes a host of spending initiatives that will help sustain our efforts to beat COVID-19," said Speaker Lord Allan Velasco in a statement thanking the President for signing the 2022 national budget law.

The 2022 budget also has allocations for the COVID-19 Laboratory Network Commodities, Department of Health (DOH) epidemiology and surveillance program; purchase of drugs, medicines and vaccines that will be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

Malacañang said the budget will also fund the relief and rehabilitation efforts for victims of Typhoon Odette, which devastated communities in several regions days before Christmas.

"With a new budget, with the fresh sourcing of funds from the NDRRM (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management) funds, the fresh sourcing of funds from the 2022 GAA, plus fresh QRF (Quick Response Fund), we will be able to address the need for construction materials of our countrymen worst-hit by Typhoon Odette," acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Duterte also signed  Republic Act 11641, or the law establishing the Department of Migrant Workers, during the same ceremony. —KBK, GMA News