House Leader Sees No Delay in Approval of 2016 National Budget

(PNA) — The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations today expressed belief that the resignation of Sen. Francis Escudero as chairman of the Senate finance committee will not affect the approval of the proposed P3.002-trillion national budget for 2016.

“I don’t think there will be problem in passing the budget. I believe we can work together with whoever will be the new chairman of the Senate finance committee,” said panel chairman Rep. Isidro T. Ungab (3rd District, Davao City).

Ungab said the organization of the Senate is an internal matter among senators.

“Actually the organization of the Senate is up to them. We are co-equal bodies, separate bodies. We are mandated by the Constitution to study, review and scrutinize the budget. The House of Representatives will work with whoever is the replacement of Senator Escudero, so I don’t think there will be problems in passing the budget,” Ungab said.

Ungab described Escudero as a “good partner” and for two budgets, he said they were able to work together and able to deliver.

“We laud Senator Escudero for considering the immediate passage of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) in his decision to resign from his assigned committee. We welcome his replacement and assure them of our cooperation in having to pass the 2016 GAB on time and in ensuring that it will be in accordance with law, rules and Supreme Court rulings on the matter,” said Ungab.

Escudero said he resigned as chairman of the Senate finance committee out of delicadeza or propriety and to ensure that deliberations on the GAB) are untainted by suspicions or perceptions of partisan politics.

The resignation came as President Aquino, through Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, submitted to the House of Representatives on Tuesday the proposed P3.002-trillion national budget for next year.

The Speaker said Congress would study the budget proposal well to ensure government programs and their fundings are justified. “We intend to scrutinize it carefully and do our proper job of acting on the 2016 national budget,” the Speaker said.

Ungab said based on the appropriations committee timetable, the first budget hearing will start by August 10.

“We will try our best to finish the 2016 national budget on time,” said Ungab.

In his Budget Message to Congress, President Aquino said the proposed 2016 national budget is designed to consolidate the reforms the government has introduced since 2010 and provide a strong foundation for inclusive development.

“This P3-trillion budget is anchored on four principles that define public financial management under our administration – principles that must continue to characterize budgeting and management beyond our term,” said the President. (PNA) CTB/PR/EBP