MikeLigalig.com

by PNA

The national budget for 2012, which was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday, is the earliest government appropriations law approved since Philippine democracy was restored in 1986.

In his speech following the signing, the President said that this day should go down in history as a first in the 25 years of Philippine democracy.

“Kanina lang ay nasaksihan ninyo ang ating paglagda sa ating budget, ang pinaka-maagang pagsasabatas sa taunang budget mula ng mabawi natin ang demokrasya nuong 1986,” the President said.

“Tunay pong makasaysayan ang araw na ito,” he added.

The earliest budget enactments for the four other Philippine Presidents who came before him are as follows: Corazon Aquino – December 18, 1986; Fidel Ramos – January 6, 1993; Joseph Estrada – December 30, 1998; and Gloria Arroyo – January 21, 2002.

President Aquino thanked the people who worked doubly hard to prepare the 2012 budget namely: Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and the Department of Budget and Management.

In a statement, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the early signing of the budget meant that government could immediately implement its programs and key infrastructure projects even on the first day of the New Year.

“In contrast to 2011 when infrastructure spending was delayed, we intend to begin 2012 on a very strong note,” Abad said.

“The swiftness of the budget signing also means that the government can hit the ground running with its programs, starting with key infrastructure projects. It also reinforces the President’s commitment to his Social Contract with the Filipino people and underscores our mission to ensure economic development and transparent government spending,” he said.

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