MANILA, Philippines — Congress on Wednesday held a joint session where they discussed, and swiftly granted, President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to have martial law in Mindnao extended for the third time. Meanwhile, the government risks operating on a re-enacted budget in the first quarter of 2019 for the first time in nine years. Under a re-enacted budget, new programs and projects proposed for 2019 will be unfunded since the previous outlay will be reused next year. READ: Duterte wants to sign 2019 budget on December 15“So there’s a possibility that the president may call for a special session sometime next week to finish the budget. READ: NEDA: Delayed budget approval likely to slow down economy in 2019According to Mendoza, the review of the national budget "should not be rushed."

Source: Philippine Star December 12, 2018 07:10 UTC