Approval of the ₱3.757 trillion budget was delayed due to an impasse between the Senate and the House of Representatives over the itemization of of lumpsums after the bill was ratified by both chambers.
The four-months delay forced economic managers to downgrade its economic growth target to a range of 6 to 7 percent from the previous 7 to 8 percent. It also caused the goverment to run on a reenacted budget.
READ: Economic managers revise growth target downward over budget delay
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said that as of March, the government had failed to spend ₱46 billion, which would adversely impact the administration’s infrastructure program.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) — The controversial 2019 budget bill will finally be signed by Monday next week.
This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement Wednesday.
“The Palace confirms that the ceremonial signing of the General Appropriations Act 2019 has already been calendared on the President’s schedule on April 15, Monday,” he said.
