by Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA
House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez on Tuesday urged the immediate passage of the proposed PHP3.757 trillion budget for 2019, even as he insisted that the House of Representatives did not introduce any amendments in the version of the bicameral conference committee.
In a press briefing, the Quezon lawmaker noted with trepidation that passage of the budget has been put on hold for many months now due to unending controversies over alleged realignments made by the House.
He said during the bicam discussions, the Committee agreed on the amounts allocated in each category of funds.
“The Lower House has done its job in ensuring that the budget is transparently allocated with the itemizations made in the lump sum funds,” he said.
However, Suarez said the passage of the budget was delayed due to allegations from senators, especially Senator Panfilo Lacson, of amendments being introduced post-bicam.
As a result of these allegations, President Rodrigo Duterte has warned that he will not sign an “illegal” budget.
“Let us be clear. There was no amendment, modification, nor realignment to the proposed national budget. The lower House merely specified projects and programs that shall be funded, as urgently requested by local government units—barangays (villages), municipalities, cities,” Suarez said.
He cited the PHP25-million allocation for ambulances and construction and renovation of health facilities to different districts that has been among the center of tirades by Lacson.
“It has been pointed out that some districts received more than others. We hope our good senators would understand that each district, municipality, and city possess distinct and incomparable financial requirements to fulfill the various health care demands of their respective areas. This is the basis of such allocations,” Suarez said.
He also pointed out that while each district received different amounts, all districts got allocations under the “fair and equitable” policy instituted by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“Bear in mind that under previous leaderships and administrations, some districts received zero budgets. In past Congresses, the opposition really got zero allocations,” he said.
“Under Arroyo, there were no zero allocations. But there was a time when her district got zero allocation just because she voted against the death penalty. Some others also got zero allocations,” Suarez said.
He reminded senators that Constitution expressly provides that “all appropriations shall originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, and the Senate may only propose or concur with the said amendments.”
At the same time, he warned that the delay in the enactment of the 2019 proposed budget and the continued re-enacted budget will cause great losses in the economy.
“The 2019 proposed national budget has been carefully deliberated and discussed to reflect the current needs of the country,” he said.
“Thus, the Minority calls for the immediate passage of the 2019 national budget. Many projects and programs are awaiting funds for its continuation, and holding the budget hostage is inimical to the delivery of goods and public services,” Suarez said.
