Duterte calls for special Congress session to approve P4.5T 2021 budget

President Rodrigo Duterte has called for a special session of Congress from October 13 to 16 to finalize and approve the proposed P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021.

Representative Edcel Lagman is requesting an extension of this special session until October 22 to provide more time for lawmakers to complete their work.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has suggested a special session from November 9 to 13 to ensure the budget's timely approval, aiming to send it to Malacañang by early December.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez have assured swift action on the budget during the upcoming special session.

Palace spokesperson Harry Roque has indicated that a further special session in December may be called if necessary to pass the 2021 budget before the year-end deadline.