Manila Bulletin
IBP urges House leadership to focus on budget approval
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) urged House of Representatives members to prioritize the passage of the 2021 national budget over the speakership dispute.
IBP national president Domingo Cayosa advised lawmakers to reduce the "drama" and concentrate on the urgent task of allocating funds for the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the election of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco as House Speaker to replace Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano occurred on Monday, Oct. 12.
Deliberations for the 2021 budget had hit a snag due to the tug-of-war over the House speakership.
Government officials have warned against reenacting the 2020 budget for next year as it does not contain allocations for COVID-19 response.
Cayosa acknowledged that while Congress traditionally conducts business in the Batasang Pambansa, the majority can agree to conduct business elsewhere.
He added that with 186 votes, the House could decide to change its rules.
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Lawmakers allied with former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano urged their colleagues to prioritize the 2021 national budget over leadership changes in the House of Representatives.
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Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles urged the House of Representatives to convene and resume plenary deliberations on the proposed 2021 national budget, emphasizing that Filipinos cannot afford any delays due to its crucial provisions for COVID-19 response and relief.
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Senator Christopher "Bong" Go cautioned against the Philippines having a reenacted budget for 2021, emphasizing the necessity of a responsive budget to address the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and its impacts.
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Malacañang thanked the House of Representatives for the timely approval of the 2021 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on third and final reading during a special session.
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Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon proposed a special session from November 9 to 13 for the approval of the P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021.
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