President Rodrigo Duterte would use his veto power to get rid of some provisions included in the proposed 2021 General Appropriations Act, Malacañang said on Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement just days before the anticipated ceremonial signing of the proposed PHP4.5-trillion national budget for 2021.

‘Sigurado po na magkakaroon po ng veto message (It is certain that there will be a veto message),” Roque said when quizzed if Duterte will veto several items in the 2021 budget plan.

Roque refused to elaborate on the certain provisions that will be removed in the proposed 2021 budget.

He, however, hinted that Duterte would veto certain items upon the recommendation of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“Inaasahan din na aaprubahan din po ng Presidente yung mga naging rekomendasyon ng DBM. Meron pong mga recommended for veto. (We are expecting the President to approve the DBM’s recommendation. There is a recommendation to veto several items),” Roque said.

Duterte is scheduled to sign the budget bill in his hometown, Davao City, on December 28.

Around five representatives each from the Senate and the House of Representatives are expected to witness the signing of the proposed budget for 2021.

The government’s recovery programs for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have been prioritized in the 2021 budget spending plan.

The ratified budget bill includes an allocation of PHP72.5 billion for Covid-19 vaccines.

About PHP2.5 billion of the PHP72.5 billion is under the Department of Health’s programmed funds, while the remaining PHP70 billion will be unprogrammed funds allocated for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines, its storage, transportation, and distribution.PNA