Bongbong Marcos to sign 2024 budget bill once it reaches Palace

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during an arrival ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The President arrived on Monday, November 20, 2023 from his week-long trip from the United States. (INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed readiness to sign the 2024 national budget bill the minute he receives it on Friday.

The President said he is waiting for the bicameral committee to put its final touches on the report.

“Wala pa yatang report ang bicam (bicameral conference committee). We’re waiting for that. So, they’re putting the finishing touches on it. Baka today or the day… in the coming days,” he said.

(There is no report yet from the bicameral. We’re waiting for that. So, they’re putting the finishing touches on it. Maybe today or the day… in the coming days.)

“But certainly, the minute it is finalized, then we will immediately pass the budget,” Marcos said in an ambush interview in Muntinlupa city.

(But certainly, the minute it is finalized, we will pass the budget immediately.)

The President said he will most probably sign the bill before Christmas.

Marcos was initially expected to sign the 2024 General Appropriations Act before he departed for Japan for the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Japan relations.