House approves P4.5T budget on 2nd reading amid leadership row

The proposed 2021 budget, House Bill No. 7727, was approved on its second reading with a ₱4.506 trillion allocation for government operations.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano assured President Duterte of the budget's unanimous approval on second reading.

However, Representative Lord Allan Velasco, along with minority and independent blocs, denounced the alleged "railroading" of the budget approval and the abrupt suspension of the House session until November 16.

This maneuver by Cayetano's allies effectively countered Velasco's accusations of the budget being held hostage and preempted his planned assumption of the speakership.

Attempts by some representatives to voice concerns were reportedly ignored or muted during the proceedings.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III expressed fears that the House's suspension of session might delay action on other pending bills, including the new Manila International Airport project.

Cayetano, however, allayed Sotto's fears, stating that the Senate has no reason to worry about the budget's passage.