By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, Nov. 27 (PNA) – Senate finance committee chairman Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero on Thursday expressed optimism that the Senate version of the proposed Php2.606 trillion national budget for 2015 can stand at the Supreme Court.
”This is an improved version of 2014 budget law. So if nobody questions the 2014 budget law, I believe that this 2015 budget can even stand at the Supreme Court,” Escudero said at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum.
Voting 13-0, the Senate passed last Wednesday its version of the general appropriations bill with substantial amendments including Php96.58 billion realignments from programmed and unprogrammed appropriations within and between agencies.
Escudero said the proposed national budget is compliant with the SC’s ruling on Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
”Number one it is compliant with SC decisions and number two, as best we can, we provided funds for the vulnerable sector who need it the most, and number three, we optimize the use of funds. We removed what we think are not necessary,” Escudero said.
Former congressman Augusto Syjuco questioned the constitutionality of the proposed 2015 budget before the SC.
”I’m wondering why congressman Syjuco is questioning the constitutionality of a bill. There is no such thing. Without pre-empting the SC, clearly that was premature,” Escudero said.
Escudero said the Senate has introduced major changes in the 2015 budget including the deletion of the Php53.9 billion for the buyout of the Metro Rail Transit, and the allocation of Php30 billion in unprogrammed funds and Php20 billion from programmed funds in the rehabilitation fund.
Escudero said the senators have redefined the meaning of savings in compliant with the SC ruling on DAP and PDAF. (PNA)