MANILA, December 4, 2012-Senate Finance Committee Chairman Franklin M. Drilon today announced that the Bicameral Conference Committee appears poised to finalize the report on Wednesday on the proposed P2.006-trillion national budget which Drilon described as a tool for empowerment.
Drilon said the committee is expected to sign the final report on the budget on Wednesday when they finally settle the differences between the Senate and House versions. The report will immediately be submitted for ratification by Congress.
“Once we have reconciled the contentious provisions of the appropriations bill, the bicameral conference committee will immediately submit it to both chambers for ratification,” said Drilon.
Drilon explained that a technical working group was authorized last week by the committee chairs to look into the disagreeing provisions in the budget which are not substantial. He said the group worked through the weekend to come up with the report.
“We will wrap up everything this week, so that we can proceed with the printing of the enrolled bill. We expect it to be signed by the House Speaker and the Senate President by the third week of December,” said Drilon.
“We are confident that on or before December 20, the President should be able to finish reviewing the budget and sign the general appropriations bill,” he added. “This will be the third year that the budget will be enacted into law in time for the coming fiscal year.”
The budget, which the Senate approved on November 28, is 10.5 percent higher than this year’s P1.816 trillion.
Earlier, Drilon said the 2013 national budget will provide funding for public services, provide more jobs, better education, and improved healthcare services.
“The 2013 national budget, once signed into law, will provide for funds to finally close the resource gaps in education system such as the shortage of teachers and educational resources, as well as the lack of enough classrooms,” he said.
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