Palace Expects Congress to Approve P2.6-T 2015 National Budget Soon

Manila — Given the commitment of the leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Malacañang is “reasonably assured” that the 2015 National Budget would be passed on time and would be ready for the President’s signature next month, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

“Based on our experience in the previous years and given the commitment of the leaders of both Houses, we are reasonably assured that the plenary deliberations will be concluded, so that both Houses are able to come up with their own versions that will later on be reconciled by a bicameral conference committee,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing at the Palace.

The proposed General Appropriations Act will then be ratified by both Houses, and submitted for the President’s signature in December, Secretary Coloma told reporters when asked if he foresees any delay in the passing of the budget.

Legislators have voiced some reservations on the 2015 National Budget. Senator Miriam Santiago has questioned the legality of the budget, specifically the definition of savings, as well as the existence of the pork barrel.

In reaction, Coloma said the Executive branch recognizes the mandate of lawmakers to scrutinize the proposed budget.

“Umaasa kami na mareresolba ang lahat ng mga usapin at mapagpapasyahan ang panukalang budget, upang ito ay malagdaan ng Pangulo sa susunod na buwan at maging epektibo sa unang araw ng Enero 2015, katulad ng napapanahong pag-apruba at pagpapatupad ng lahat ng budget sa mga nakaraang taon ng panunungkulan ng Aquino administration,” he said.

The Palace official also fended off accusations that the 2015 budget would be used by the administration in preparing for the 2016 presidential election, saying the budget was crafted in line with the administration’s Philippine Development Plan.

This development plan, he said, is anchored on economic growth and progress; social protection and poverty reduction; climate change mitigation and adaptation; security, peace and law and order; and good governance and anti-corruption. (PCOO/PND)

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