Turning a deaf ear to calls from opposition lawmakers for further deliberations, the Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition rammed the fiscal 2008 budget through the Lower House late Friday night.

With the passage through the Lower House, the LDP-New Komeito ruling bloc is now assured of enacting the budget before March 31, the last day of fiscal 2007.

Passing a budget before the previous one expires is considered a crucial mission for any Cabinet.