The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) yesterday assured the timely submission of the 2022 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress.
In a statement, the DBM said following the submission of the proposed 2022 National Budget to the Office of the President last July 26, it also commits to finalize the 2022 NEP and other related budget documents for printing, in time for its submission to both houses of Congress, on or before the 30-day constitutional deadline.
The proposed budget for next year is P5.024 trillion, which is equivalent to 22.8 percent of the gross domestic product and is higher by 11.5 percent than this year’s national budget.
The DBM said the proposed 2022 national budget was crafted to sustain the government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response efforts including the procurement of COVID-19 testing kits, continuous hiring of human resources for health, establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, and the continuous implementation of health programs in accordance with the Universal Health Care Act.
Funds for the procurement of the COVID-19 booster shots will also be allocated under the unprogrammed appropriations.
“Other priority programs to be supported under this proposed fiscal package include budgetary support for the provision of Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education, continuous conduct of the National ID System, and provision of assistance to disadvantaged Local Government Units,” the DBM said.
“The government will also boost economic recovery and provide a modernized public transport system by continuously investing in the Build, Build, Build Program which is expected to create jobs and catalyze business activities all over the country,” it added.
Last weekend, the DBM said Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado is on medical leave from August 2 to 13, following his recent bout with the COVID-19.
Undersecretary Tina Rose Marie Canda will serve as officer-in-charge during this period. – Angela Celis
