(MANILA BULLETIN)

The House of Representatives has transmitted the proposed 2024 national budget to the Senate as announced during a special joint session on Saturday, Nov. 4. 

The joint session was held to host the address of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio before members of the Philippine Congress. 

House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe moved to transmit House Bill (HB) No. 8980 or the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). 

“Mr. Speaker, I move to immediately transmit to the Senate, House Bill No. 8980, as well as the resolutions that we have just adopted,” he said. 

Next year's proposed outlay is worth P5.768 trillion--the largest in the country’s history. 

The motion was carried by House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr., who presided over the session. 

House passed the GAB on its third and final reading last Sept. 27. Congress has been on recess ever since. 

The P5.768-trillion national budget for next year was previously hailed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez for its “emphasis on transparency and accountability”. 

Congress (House and the Senate) will resume sessions on Monday, Nov. 6. -Dexter Barro II