By Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA
MANILA — Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. on Tuesday vowed to keep the proposed 2019 PHP3.757-trillion national budget in line with the vision of President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a press conference, Andaya said the chamber was “swamped” by several requests coming from the executive branch, and even the President himself, particularly for additional funding for “housing and public works”.
“Hanggang sa huling minuto na kaya namin ipasok yan (Until the very last minute), we will do it as our commitment to him that the budget would be in line with his vision for the country,” Andaya said.
He said the chamber is now undergoing the budget authorization stage, wherein lawmakers could introduce amendments to the budget proposal provided they do not increase the total appropriations proposed.
He also assured that the House of Representatives would pass on third and final reading the 2019 national budget during today’s session.
“We will pass the budget on third reading today,” he said, allaying fears of a re-enacted budget for next year.
He also dispelled allegations that the House version of the 2019 budget is “pork-filled.”
“Everything we are doing here is compliant with all the pertinent laws and the Supreme Court decision,” he said.
