MANILA, Philippines – Both panels of the Senate and the House of Representatives have adopted the Bicameral Conference Committee (bicam) report on the proposed P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020.

The panels met early morning on Wednesday at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City and finally inked the bicam report.

According to Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chairman of the Senate finance committee, the proposed national budget for next year would be up for bicam approval and ratification of both chambers this week.

Once ratified, the 2020 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) will become an enrolled bill after Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd has signed it for the Senate, and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for the House.

The Bicameral Conference Committee, led by Angara and House Appropriations Chairman Isidro Ungab of Davao City’s 2nd District, began its work on November 29, during which both chambers submitted their respective proposed amendments.

The House approved House Bill 4228, or the General Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2020, on September 20, while the Senate passed its version on November 27.

The 18th Congress is targeting to have the 2020 spending plan approved and ratified within the week, ahead of its Dec. 21, 2019-Jan. 19, 2020 Christmas-New Year break, and in time for submission to President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law before the year ends. (IAMIGO/CNS)