Economists warn budget delay may hurt recovery

A delay in passing the 2021 national budget could hinder the Philippine economy's recovery from the pandemic, economists warn.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua says a reenacted 2020 budget would not be COVID-responsive and is about 9-10% lower than the proposed 2021 budget.

Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado emphasizes that a reenacted budget, especially now, could severely impact economic recovery and delay infrastructure projects.