Senate ratifies Php 1.415 Trillion 2009 National Budget

The Senate ratified on Thursday morning the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed P1.415-trillion national budget or General Appropriations Act of 2009.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Benigno Aquino III objected to the report when it was presented on the floor for ratification.

The House of Representatives earlier ratified the proposed 2009 national budget on Wednesday night.

After the Senate's ratification of the 2009 GAA, it will be transmitted to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for signing into law.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate finance committee, presented on the floor the bicameral committee report containing a P50-billion economic stimulus package.

Sen. Lacson objected to what he called "insertion" of the stimulus package fund in the 2009 budget and threatened to question it before the Supreme Court.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said 15 senators were present during Wednesday’s session which was suspended until this morning.

”It (the 2009 budget) is now ratified, next is the signature of the President,” Sen. Zubiri told Senate reporters after the Upper Chamber ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed 2009 General Appropriations Act. (PIA IX, Pagadian)