We will be thorough in our review for  that has always been the Senate way.  We will not sacrifice scrutiny for speed.  And I say this with confidence that we will meet the deadline of  a well-crafted budget ready for the President’s signature long before the year ends.

There is only one major macroeconomic assumption that underpins next year’s expenditures and that is COVID-19. It will dictate the thrust and content of the 2021 budget. It is through this prism that we will view the budget .

As all funds to fight the  pandemic will emanate from this spending bill, then it  should be a fighting budget not a business-as-usual one.  In a nutshell, the challenge is to pass a budget that will help  the sick, the health system and the economy recover.

Hindi rin po hadlang ang online hearings sa masusi at masinsinan na pagrerepaso ng mga panukalang budgets ng mga ahensya. Recent  Senate hearings have shown that distance has only made the questioning from senators more detailed. Zoom has allowed them to zoom in on the small details. #