Social and economic services account for a major bulk of the national budget next year, according to the General Appropriations Act for 2012 approved on second reading by Congress.

 By agency, the Department of Education will get the highest budget in the 2012 GAA.

The 2012 GAA will be formally approved by the House in October before being transmitted to the Senate for ratification.

Barring any protracted dispute, President Benigno Aquino is expected to sign it into law before the end of the year.