|
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Arroyo signs P1.126-trillion budget
MANILA (Updated 9:15 p.m.) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday signed the P1.126 trillion 2007 national budget (Republic Act 9401), which Malacañang called "social payback budget."
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said Arroyo skipped the traditional signing rites in Malacanang usually graced by members of Congress and instead signed the 1,162-page law in her study because every one else is busy in their provinces.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage
He said the budget will “cure under-spending, spur growth, fund infrastructure and finance human development in a manner that will be transparent.”
“The new initiatives are diverse as they will be felt on the ground. This budget will enable us to provide free meals to 1.5 million youngsters as incentive for attending class, recruit 3,000 new policemen, send about 700,000 scholars to schools and colleges, immunize two million children, establish 2,400 outlets of Botika ng Barangay, and provide medical insurance to 4.4 million poor persons, among others,” he said.
Arroyo, in an interview after a roundtable discussion on education and social services, said she only vetoed items that are “very technical in nature.” (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo. (March 22, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
