The President’s 2017 Budget Message states that the proposed budget is a “tool for equitable progress”. This statement underscores the important role of the budget in pursuing inclusive and equitable development. Recognizing the importance of not only sustaining economic growth but also of reducing the number of poor Filipinos, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte stated in his 10-point agenda that his administration will continue and maintain the current macroeconomic policies. During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), he reiterated this position and even stated his resolve to do better “through prudent fiscal and monetary policies that can help translate high growth into more and better job creation and poverty reduction”.>>read complete document
