Senate eyes approval of 2024 nat'l budget next week – Angara

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 20) — The Senate aims to approve the ₱5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 early next week, Senator Sonny Angara said on Monday.

Angara, who chairs the Committee on Finance, said senators are set to submit their proposed amendments to the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) this week.

"I think the approval on second and third reading, most likely next week, Monday na," he told reporters.

Certified as urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the GAB can undergo the second and third reading on the same day, dispensing the three-day rule.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri vowed to submit the final version of the proposed budget to the Palace by the first or second week of December.

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The Senate began deliberations on the budget early in November, scrutinizing allocations including the controversial confidential and intelligence funds of some agencies.