DBM prepares a P 3.7-trillion national budget for next year

The Duterte administration is preparing a national budget worth P 3.7 trillion for 2018.

The figure was discussed by Department of Budget (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno during the cabinet meeting on Monday night in Malacañang.

Government’s current budget is P 3.35 trillion.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will still get the biggest chunks next year.

The executive branch plans to double the take-home pay of soldiers and policemen by January 2018.

This was promised by President Duterte.

Their pay hike is part of the second tranche of salary standardization for government personnel.

State workers like teachers and nurses will also be given a salary increase.