MANILA, Dec. 2 (PNA) — The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading Joint Resolution No. 7 extending the validity of appropriations under the calamity and quick response funds until Dec. 31, 2014.
This includes those sourced from savings realigned in the current year, as well as all unobligated allotments covering appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses and capital outlays under Republic Act No. 10352 or the 2013 General Appropriations Act.
House members voted 196 in favor with no one contradicting and only one abstention.
The resolution amends Section 63 of R.A. 10352, which states, “All appropriations authorized in this Act shall be available for release and obligation for the purpose specified, and under the same special provisions applicable thereto, until the end of the year.”
“Given the overwhelming effects of these calamities to the country, the national and local governments may not be able to obligate funds necessary to fully implement the programs and projects specified in the 2013 GAA before the end of the year,” the joint resolution said.
The resolution also said that the unobligated allotments and unreleased appropriations for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses and Capital Outlays for 2013 are urgently needed for the implementation of priority programs and projects, such as the maintenance, reconstruction, repair and rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, roads and bridges and other buildings and essential facilities as well as other expenditures required for the operations of national and local governments. (PNA)