Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (Facebook)

The P5.768-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or proposed national budget for 2024 has been crafted to meet the essential needs of Filipinos. 

Thus, said House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co after the House of Representatives transmitted the GAB to the Senate on Saturday, Nov. 4. 

Co echoed the remarks of House Speaker Martin Romualdez in that the proposed P5.768-trillion budget was aligned with the Supreme Court's (SC) directive to abolish the pork barrel system. 

To further ensure that Filipinos will gain the most benefit, a big chunk of the budget will be allocated to social services. 

Specifically, P2.183 trillion under the GAB will be distributed to education, health, social security, and employment, among others. Co said this represents the largest allocation in the country’s history. 

“This only means that the government is investing in its greatest asset—its people—as it aims to lay a stronger foundation for sustainable growth and inclusive development,” Co said. 

The Bicolano noted that the proposed budget mirrors the three "legacy projects" of the Marcos administration. 

These projects--which are pivotal to the nation’s progress--include “legacy specialty hospitals, legacy housing for the poor, and legacy on food self-sufficiency”. 

“Under the effective leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, the House of Representatives was able to prove its firm devotion to the Filipino people through this bill,” the solon stressed. 

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https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/4/house-transmits-proposed-2024-national-budget-to-senate

Co likewise agreed with Romualdez on realigning P194.5 billion from the budget measure into fortifying national security and strengthening social services amid persisting economic challenges. 

“We vow to ensure that Filipinos are not left vulnerable to the economic challenges that lie ahead,” he said.

“The 2024 GAB now stands before the Senate, carrying with it the collective hopes and efforts of the government to safeguard the nation’s prosperity and the well-being of its citizens,” the solon added. --Dexter Barro II