Speaker Romualdez vows passage of ’24 budget before Congress break
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday announced that the House of Representatives will pass the P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 on third and final reading next week before Congress goes on break.
This significant development, as highlighted by Speaker Romualdez, is a direct result of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s certification of the budget measure as urgent, underscoring its critical importance and priority.
The leader of the 311-strong legislative chamber lauded the President for recognizing the importance of a timely budget approval to ensure the continuity of government programs and services.
By certifying House Bill (HB) No. 8980 or the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) as urgent, Speaker Romualdez said the President has underscored his commitment to serving the Filipino people efficiently and effectively.
“We appreciate President Marcos’ leadership and his prioritization of the national budget. His decision to certify this crucial legislation as urgent reflects his unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of our nation,” the House chief said.
Speaker Romualdez also expressed his profound appreciation for the tireless dedication of his colleagues in the House, who have been working tirelessly to deliberate on and refine the budget bill.
“Our esteemed colleagues in the House have been diligently reviewing and fine-tuning the 2024 national budget to ensure that it addresses the pressing needs of our country and its people,” he said.
The Speaker further assured the public that the House is committed to a transparent and thorough budget process that adheres to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility.
“We will continue to uphold the principles of accountability, inclusivity and efficiency throughout the budget deliberations,” the Speaker affirmed.
“The House of Representatives stands united in its commitment to pass the 2024 national budget and support the government’s initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, social development and the well-being of every Filipino,” he added.
The certification will enable the House of Representatives to pass the budget bill on second and third reading on the same day.
Upon its approval, the House will forward the appropriations bill to the Senate.
Congress will be in recess from September 30 to November 5.
The expectation is that the President will sign the 2024 national budget in December, marking a crucial step in the fiscal planning and execution for the upcoming year.
