Duterte to sign 2022 budget post Dec. 25

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has announced that he will sign the 2022 national budget after Christmas Day. The announcement came after the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the budget bill, which amounts to Php 5.024 trillion ($100 billion).

The budget bill includes allocations for various government programs, such as education, health, infrastructure, and social services. It also includes funds for the COVID-19 response, including the purchase of vaccines and the implementation of health protocols.

Duterte’s decision to sign the budget bill after Christmas Day is seen as a strategic move to avoid any controversy or political backlash. In the past, the approval of the national budget has been marred by allegations of corruption and pork barrel politics.

By signing the budget bill after the holiday season, Duterte hopes to avoid any distractions or controversies that may arise during the Christmas festivities. He also wants to ensure that the budget is signed into law before the end of the year, as required by the Constitution.

The 2022 national budget is crucial for the Philippines as it aims to support the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has been implementing various measures to revive the economy, such as the Build, Build, Build program, which aims to boost infrastructure development and create jobs.

The budget bill also includes provisions for the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law, which aims to provide all Filipinos with access to quality health services. It also includes funds for the implementation of the K-12 program, which aims to improve the quality of education in the country.

Overall, the 2022 national budget is a crucial tool for the Philippine government to address the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Duterte’s decision to sign the budget bill after Christmas Day is a wise move to ensure that the budget is signed into law without any distractions or controversies. It is hoped that the budget will be implemented efficiently and effectively to support the country’s economic recovery and improve the lives of Filipinos.