Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines

The House of Representatives is set to begin its crucial task of examining the country's national spending plan for 2024 as Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez received the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for Fiscal Year 2024 from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

The proposed P5.768-trillion national budget aims to future-proof the economy by prioritizing investments in infrastructure projects, human capital development, sustainable agriculture, and food security, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.

Speaker Romualdez commended the DBM for the early transmittal of the 2024 NEP, providing ample time for the House to carefully deliberate on the government's financial priorities. The House understands the urgency of passing the national budget on time, given its role in maintaining economic stability and facilitating the seamless implementation of government projects and programs.

The House pledges to deliberate on the national budget transparently, ensuring prudent spending and maximizing benefits for Filipinos under the Marcos Jr. administration. A ceremonial turnover of the 2024 NEP was attended by several House members and leaders, ensuring inclusivity and cooperation in the budget scrutiny process.