Marcos, Cabinet Tackle Budget, BBB, Transport Projects Via Teleconference

Recovering from COVID-19, President Marcos met for the second time with his Cabinet on Tuesday, July 12, via teleconference, which focused on next year’s national budget as well as on priority transportation projects and on plans to continue the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said among those who made presentations during the meeting at Malacañang were officials from the Departments of Budget and Management, Public Works and Highways, and Transportation.

When asked what were the issues discussed during the meeting, Angeles said the “2023 budget towards the promotion of broad-based and inclusive economic recovery and growth, (Build, Build, Build) and infrastructure convergence programs, priority transportation programs and projects.

It was the second Cabinet meeting in 12 days since Marcos assumed office on June 30.

Marcos shared in his personal social media pages photos of the Cabinet meeting that lasted for more than five hours.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte also attended the meeting.

According to Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, the meeting started at 9 a.m. and ended at 2:25 p.m.

In a tweet, the President underscored the government’s target to further improve the country’s digital infrastructure.

“Although we are currently isolated, our meetings and other duties continue through the internet. There is a lot of communication that can be done with a strong and effective digital infrastructure that we are also trying to improve,” Marcos said.

Marcos’ lead physician Samuel Zacate said on Monday, July 11, the President “is on his way to a complete recovery.”

Marcos was advised to self-isolate for seven days from the day he tested positive for the disease. He also tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2020.