Philippine News Agency
PRRD wants 2021 budget to be sole topic of special session
President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his frustration with the speakership row in the House of Representatives, emphasizing that his main priority is the swift approval of the 2021 national budget.
He used the Cebuano word "natagam" to convey his regret over the leadership dispute and urged lawmakers to set aside politics for the budget's passage.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that Duterte is no longer interested in the speakership issue and wants the proposed P4.506-trillion national budget for 2021 to be the sole topic of discussion during the special session.
Roque clarified that Duterte does not favor either Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano or Representative Lord Allan Velasco, stating "May the best man win for the speakership" after the budget is passed.
Duterte expects the House of Representatives to hold a special session from October 13 to 16 to focus on deliberating the 2021 budget.
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President Rodrigo Duterte is unlikely to convene another meeting with Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco regarding the speakership row.
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President Rodrigo Duterte warned Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Representative Lord Allan Velasco to resolve their leadership dispute and ensure the timely passage of the P4.5-trillion national budget.
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President Rodrigo Duterte met with House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to discuss the passage of the P4.5-trillion national budget.
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President Rodrigo Duterte certified the proposed P4.506-trillion national budget for 2021 as urgent, calling for a special session of Congress from October 13 to 16 to ensure continuous government operations, strengthen the COVID-19 response, and support economic recovery.
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Lawmakers allied with former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano urged their colleagues to prioritize the 2021 national budget over leadership changes in the House of Representatives.
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