9 DEPTS' BUDGET TO BE PASSED IN THE SENATE TODAY - ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara set to pass in the Senate the 2010 budget of 9 agencies today; Dept. of Justice (DOJ), Dept. of Education (DepEd), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI), Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST), Dept. of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Dept. of Energy (DOE), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Dept. of Interior and Local Gov't (DILG).

"The Senate is keeping track of its tight schedule. We are working overtime towards the passage of the 2010 budget before Congress goes on recess next week. Of course, we are doing our best to consider vital points and hear all of the various agencies' concerns. The last thing we want is a re-enacted budget" said Angara who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.

He added "By passing the 2010 budget on-time, we are expected to provide a comprehensive stimulus package for our people and the economy as a whole. This holds true since we crafted the budget and aligned it to focus on job creation, infra spending and human capital investments."

In the Senate version the allotted budget for agencies are as follows;

(In thousand pesos)

Angara said that he is optimistic that the budget for 2010 will be passed by Dec. 17, 2009.