Palace: 2010 budget will ensure completion of gov't projects
Malacañang cited yesterday the vigorous support given by Congress to the P1.5406 trillion proposed national budget for 2010, saying it augurs well for the realization of its high priority programs and projects set in motion under the Arroyo administration.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said approval on Friday by the Bicameral Conference Committee of the 2010 General Appropriations Act (GAA) assures the country of sustainable growth over the coming years.
For his part, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar brushed aside negative observations on the budget, indicating that the government would adhere closely to the provisions of the GAA. According to him, accusations come easy, especially during political seasons.
Secretary Remonde recalled that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in her budget message to Congress, said her programs and projects could only be successful if they (legislators) would also adopt them as their top priorities.
“Armed with the proposed P1.541-trillion National Budget, the government, I am confident, could put the finishing touches to the development tapestry we started to weave almost nine years ago. But only with your support,” the presidential message stated.
The President said the budget stands on solid ground, and described it as “decisive.”
“But more than just funding the country’s requirements for next year, the 2010 National Budget looks back and beyond. It is, in fact, completing projects rather than starting new ones to firm up the gains we have studiously laid brick by brick all these years. So that the next generation can build on what this Administration is leaving as its legacy,” the Chief Executive told the legislators.
According to the Press Secretary, next year’s GAA would also put on a steady course the country’s recovery from economic and financial setbacks owing to the global fiscal crisis and natural calamities. “The 2010 budget was crafted with highly-improved education system, greatly expanded housing programs, sustainable energy supplies, and vigorous infrastructure and rehabilitation efforts to spur economic growth in the provinces, among other objectives,” he stressed.
He also cited President Arroyo’s strategic moves to strengthen revenue earnings, while at the same time, bringing down fiscal deficit and debt service.
The education sector was given a lion’s share of the national budget with P185.5 billion, followed by infrastructure with P126.9 billion. Other allocations included P79.9 billion for pension and gratuity, P20.8 billion for land reform, P30.4 billion for health, PO16.6 billion for transportation and communication, and P15.3 billion for social welfare and development.
