MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is seeking the commitment anew from Congress to work on the passage of the proposed 2009 budget when session opens this January, stressing the country needs the funds to stimulate the economy amid the global financial crunch, Speaker Prospero Nograles said Friday.

Nograles said the budget was the topic of his brief discussion with the President when she went to the House of Representatives Thursday to attend the necrological service for Antipolo Mayor Victor Sumulong.

"We did talk about the budget and I promised her that we will finish it by January 19 [opening of session]," Nograles said in a text message.

Arroyo stayed in the House for about 30 minutes and talked briefly to several lawmakers.

The 2009 proposed budget amounts to P1.4 trillion, 15 percent higher than the budget last year.

The heads of the bicameral committee, Senator Edgardo Angara representing the Senate and Quirino Representative Junie Cua of the House are discussing the reconciled version of the proposed appropriation.

Cua said they have agreed to allot P160 billion as economic stimulus fund spread in various departments for infrastructure and social services.

The minority lawmakers in the House have vowed to scrutinize the final version.