Philippine News Agency
Changes on budget bill after 3rd reading not allowed: Palace
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque agreed with senators that amending a budget bill after its final reading is unconstitutional.
Roque, a lawyer, stated that if new items were added after the third reading, it would violate the Constitution.
He recalled President Duterte vetoing items in the 2019 budget due to post-ratification realignments by lawmakers.
However, Roque pointed out the need to clarify what was exactly approved on third and final reading before determining if new items were added.
Senators Panfilo Lacson and Francis Pangilinan also raised concerns about the constitutionality of such amendments.
These reactions came after the House of Representatives announced its intention to amend its version of the 2021 national budget.
The proposed national budget for 2021 amounts to P4.506 trillion.
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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.
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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 President Vicente Sotto III stated that the Senate's priority is the swift approval of the proposed P4.5-trillion national budget, regardless of the leadership in the House of Representatives.
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Malacañang is optimistic that the House of Representatives will approve the PHP4.5 trillion national budget for 2021 by October 16, as committed by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
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Malacañang is urging Congress to submit the 2021 national budget to President Duterte before the second week of December.
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