We thank the House of Representatives for passing on third and final reading the 2021 General Appropriations Bill on time or within the special session called by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The Chief Executive has in many occasions articulated the importance of the timely passage of the budget, given that we are in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic where we need resources to fund government interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of the virus.

In addition, we hope the House of Representatives would transmit its printed or soft copy to the Senate as soon as possible, so that the Upper Chamber would be given ample time to act on this legislative measure, which has been certified urgent by the President.