Budget deficit seen narrowing in 2016

An expected weighty jump in non-mineral taxes is seen narrowing next year’s budget deficit to 0.03 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from a projected 2.6 percent shortfall this year.

In a revised 2016-2017 Budget Strategy Paper (BSP) released yesterday, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning said the proposed budget for 2016-2017 financial year projects total revenues and grants to reach P55.69 billion, an increase of 3.1 percent from the 2015-2016 original budget estimates of P54 billion.

Non-mineral revenue is projected to record the highest growth of 10.4 percent to P10.32 billion.

Editor's Comment
Cameras watching: Drive safely or pay the price

A network of high-tech cameras is now live, and they will be watching motorists every move behind the wheel. For the safety of everyone on the roads, drivers must take this wake-up call seriously or be prepared to face the consequences. These are not just speed traps. The new detecting devices are sophisticated. They will catch you running a red light, speeding, or driving an unregistered vehicle. They will spot the driver who is not wearing a...

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