Non-passing of 2019 budget delaying basic services

EDITORIAL

Malacañang yesterday made an “urgent” call for Congress to set aside partisan politics and pass this year’s national budget, saying failure to do so would jeopardize key state programs.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the delay in the implementation of state projects is “unacceptable” because it could affect the delivery of basic services.

“We urgently call on Congress and graciously urge it to approve the general budget in the soonest possible time, otherwise delay in its approval will affect the release of the funds for the salary hike of soldiers, policemen, teachers and civilian employees,” Panelo said in a statement.

“It will also delay the commencement as well as the continuation of infrastructure projects, not to mention the adverse effect on the efficient delivery of social services," he added.

Congress failed to pass this year's P3.757-trillion budget as some lawmakers questioned the alleged "insertions" in the expenditure program.

The budget department has denied any irregularity, saying the items being questioned were additional funds intended to beef up infrastructure spending that would prod economic growth.

Panelo said failure to pass the budget would impair the maintenance and operating expenses and exclude new capital expenditures.

"Congress must not shirk from its constitutional duty to approve the General Appropriation Bill," Panelo said.

Panelo said the executive branch submitted the proposed general budget on the very day President Duterte delivered his state of the nation address, 29 days earlier than the maximum period required by the Constitution, to give Congress the ample time to review and amend it.

"Further unreasonable delay on the part of Congress to approve the General Appropriation Bill that will throw a monkey wrench on the program of the administration will be unacceptable to the sovereign people that placed them in office," Panelo said.

"It behooves members of Congress to steer off partisan considerations and sweep away the indifference to the plight of the citizenry and collectively focus their attention to pass the General Appropriation Bill into law for the service of the people that they have sworn to protect," he added.

Panelo said the passage of the budget would be laudable given that the country is facing calamities.

As the executive and legislative departments of government bicker on the budget, basic services for the people are unmet.