Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte Says He’ll Ensure Budget Is Passed on Time
Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte Says He’ll Ensure Budget Is Passed on Time
(Bloomberg) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he will intervene if there’s a delay in Congress’ approval of next year’s 4.5 trillion-peso ($93 billion) proposed budget that’s seen to help in economic recovery.
Duterte, in a televised address on Thursday, told the House of Representatives to resolve the impasse in its leadership and ensure that the budget bill is passed on time.
“If and when I see that there will be a delay, and it will result in the derailment of government service, I will solve the problem for you,” he said.
The House suspended sessions on Tuesday, a week earlier than scheduled, without final approval of the budget bill and amid a fight for the speakership. The Senate and House will have a month when they resume sessions on Nov. 16 to pass and reconcile their versions of the measure.
Economic managers and business groups said the 2021 budget will help in the nation’s economic recovery. Last year, a delay in the budget limited government spending and weighed on growth.
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