Zubiri ‘confident’ proposed 2020 budget to be ratified by Dec. 10

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he is confident that the bicameral committee may ratify the proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 by Dec. 10 or Dec. 11.

“Ako confident, maybe by the 10th or itong December 11th, mararatify na natin yung budget [I am confident that maybe by December 10th or December 11th, the budget bill will be ratified],” Zubiri told DWIZ on Saturday when asked if the proposed budget will get through the bicameral deliberations.

Senator Sonny Angara previously said the passage of the proposed national budget will be “smoother.”

Zubiri noted that the bicam meeting did not experience any issues, saying some lawmakers and senators gave quick manifestations on the budget.

Zubiri also vowed that Senate will focus on the 30th Southeast Asian Games and the bicameral deliberations on the 2020 budget.

The House of Representatives swiftly approved the 2020 General Appropriations Bill on Sept. 20 while the Senate approved the measure just this week.

President Rodrigo Duterte previously said he did not want delays in the passage of the national budget which was why he certified it as urgent.

Edited by MUF