House approves P4.5-trillion 2021 budget

Congressmen approved the P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021 on its final reading during a special session on Friday.

The approval came after days of debate over the speakership and despite initial reluctance from President Duterte to prioritize the measure.

President Duterte had certified the bill as urgent, allowing lawmakers to expedite the legislative process.

The budget allocates P1.1 trillion for infrastructure projects, aimed at fueling economic recovery amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.