BY ARGYLL GEDUCOS
Malacañang said it will not be able to submit the proposed P4.3-trillion national budget for 2021 to Congress on President Duterte’s State-of-the-Nation Address today because it is still being ironed out.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the statement ahead of Duterte’s fifth SONA where the President is expected to unveil the government’s COVID-19 recovery roadmap.
In an interview with Super Radyo DZBB Saturday, Nograles said the Executive branch will not be able to submit the proposed national budget to Congress today.
“This year, hindi namin maihahabol ‘yung proposed budget during the State-of-the-Nation Address. August pa namin isa-submit,” he said.
“Fina-finalize pa kasi namin because itong sitwasyon natin with COVID siyempre – parang ano siya, eh, very fluid,” he added.
According to Nograles, the Executive branch would like to take its time to make sure that everything in the proposed national budget will be able to address the needs of the country.
“Gusto naming isagad talaga sa kung ano ang nakalagay sa ating Constitution na pinaka-deadline,” he said.
“Marami pa tayong – may mga ina-adjust lang po tayo doon sa ating proposed budget at for approval of the President.” (Argyll Geducos)
