Palace to ‘thoroughly review’ 2019 budget

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang assured the public that it would “thoroughly review” the 2019 national budget after Congress ratified it on Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace was “pleased that both Houses of Congress have reconciled their differences and made a unified approbation of the General Appropriations Bill.”

READ: After months of delay, Congress finally ratifies 2019 budget

“This year’s budget is essential in building a bright future for our nation and for our people. It lays the foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable development,” Panelo said in a statement.

“Our key budget priorities, which include intensifying infrastructure development, expanding programs on human development and poverty reduction, enhancing social services and building a more secure and peaceful environment for our countrymen, will push further our momentum in fulfilling the President’s promise of genuine and meaningful change for our people,” he added.

Despite allegations that the nearly P3.8-trillion national budget was “pork-laden,” Panelo said Malacañang would make sure the budget would comply with the Constitution.

“We assure the nation that the Executive Branch, upon its receipt of the enrolled General Appropriations Bill, will thoroughly review the same to ensure that all items comply with the Constitution and the law, and more importantly, they redound to the benefit of the Filipino people,” he said.

“Indeed there is no obstacle we cannot hurdle if we put our hearts to it, with only the interest of the Filipino people in mind,” Panelo added. /ee