Lacson: Amending budget bill after 3rd reading unconstitutional

Senator Panfilo Lacson asserted that amending the general appropriations bill after its third reading is unconstitutional, regardless of claims that only government agencies can submit "errata" and not lawmakers.

Lacson cited Article VI, Section 26 of the Constitution, which states that no amendments are allowed upon the last reading of a bill, without any exemptions for "errata."

Senator Francis Pangilinan supported this stance, suggesting that any corrections or interventions after the third reading should be addressed during bicameral conference committee meetings, especially for significant amounts.

Earlier, House appropriations chair Eric Yap assured the public that amendments would only be initiated by government departments and agencies, not by congressmen, to prevent the insertion of "pork barrel" funds.