THE House Committee on Appropriations will immediately buckle down to work as the House of Representatives has formally received the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 from the executive department.
Panel chair and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said this on Wednesday and promised to closely scrutinize the 2024 National Expenditures Program (NEP).
He also vowed to work on the swift passage of the national spending plan as the House targets to approve it before Congress goes on a break in October.
“The Appropriations Panel is ready to diligently review every aspect of the budget proposal. The committee members understand the weight of their responsibility and are fully devoted to the task at hand,” Co said.
He further pledged a transparent and effective budgetary process to the best interests of the nation and the Filipino people.
“Being entrusted with the oversight of the nation’s budget is a privilege and a solemn duty. We recognize the significance of this responsibility bestowed upon us by the people,” Co said.
“It is our duty to earnestly review and thoroughly understand every budget proposal to ensure that it addresses the pressing needs of our people,” he added.
According to Co, the House under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez aims to provide much-needed financial support to the Marcos Jr. administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and align with the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
The House Committee on Appropriations is scheduled to begin the briefing with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on the proposed 2024 national budget on August 10 as plenary debates are being eyed beginning September 18.
The House of Representatives targets to transmit the 2024 General Appropriations Bill to Senate by the end of September.
“As a united committee, we vow to leave no stone unturned in this rigorous process,” Co said. “We recognize the magnitude of our task, and we are resolute in our commitment to maintain the highest levels of transparency and accountability throughout the budgetary review.”
