The country is now one step closer to the enactment of landmark “people-first” budget legislation following the ratification of the measure, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

“The current budget measure, once signed by the President, would be a definitive turning point in terms of fiscal policy, providing focus on human capital development and institutional integrity,” said Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

He emphasized that the proposed budget legislation was designed to address the most pressing needs of the country while ensuring that safeguards are in place to deter the misuse of public funds. 

According to him, the measure provides the highest investment in education in the country’s history and further strengthens the health care sector, particularly the government’s zero-balance billing program, bolstered by the return of funds to PhilHealth. The measure also seeks to improve the country’s food security by allocating a higher budget to the agriculture sector.

“By prioritizing education, expanding healthcare access, and supporting farm productivity, we are investing in a more inclusive economic development,” he added.

Following the ratification by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill will be transmitted to the Office of the President for his approval.

Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS GATCHALIAN