Statement of Senate President Franklin M. Drilon
on the signing of the 2016 National Budget

As President Benigno Aquino III signs the 2016 General Appropriations Act into law, I wish to congratulate the Aquino administration for having achieved a consistent record of approving the national budget on schedule for the past six years.

This achievement in budgetary reform and transparency is no small feat. To my recollection, in our recent national history, only the present Aquino administration was able to ensure the timely passage of the national budget throughout its term, which means unimpeded delivery of services to the Filipino people.

At P 3.002 trillion, our budget for next year is the largest yet in our government's fiscal records. This is necessary however, to sustain the pro-people investment of the current administration. With P411.91 billion going to the education sector and P123.51 billion for the health sector next year, our allocations on social services directly helping our countrymen are much higher compared to past administrations.

It will be a challenge for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to improve and enhance their revenue collection strategies in order that we will have ample funds for all the programs and services earmarked under the 2016 budget. With the many reforms instituted in both the BIR and the BOC during this administration, this goal is surely possible.