The Senate has ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024.
In his sponsorship speech, Senate Finance Committee chairman Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said the bicameral conference report affirmed an increase of P8.422-billion to the Department of National Defense (DND) to a total of P238.357-billion led by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.
During the bicameral conference committee meeting earlier in the morning, Angara confirmed that the confidential funds were channeled to security agencies to strengthen the country’s defense systems.
Next year’s budget also increased the budget of agencies that are in charge of peace and security, including intelligence agencies, uniformed personnel.
The ratified bicameral report also affirmed support for efforts to enhance the country’s self-reliance in agriculture, “not only to raise the incomes of our farmers and fisherfolk, but also to ensure our food security,” Angara said.
Furthermore, the senator said education remains a top priority in the expenditure plan for 2024.
The bicameral report also saw an increase in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget by P3.836-billion, for a total of P717.663-billion.
Angara also said lawmakers affirmed additional funds for the health sector through augmentations for the Department of Health (DOH) budget items such as the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients or MAIFIP program and the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).
Likewise, the 2024 budget shall devote significant funds for infrastructure, for greater mobility through roads, bridges, railways and seaports.
The 2024 GAB shall also cover for efforts to protect the environment and respond to climate change. Likewise, next year’s budget also supports the government’s efforts for promoting the Philippines as a prime tourist destination.
Furthermore, the 2024 budget increased the budget for the National Academy of Sportts and the Philippine Sports Commission.
“We are confident that this budget will provide certainty and hope during these uncertain times,” he said.