Lawmakers seek more time to harmonize versions of proposed national budget

THE BICAMERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE reconciling versions of the P4.1-trillion national budget proposed for 2020 deferred anew the approval of the spending plan from Tuesday, leaders of both chambers said separately on Monday.

“It’s moved to Wednesday,” House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Isidro T. Ungab of Davao City’s 3rd District said in a mobile phone message when asked to confirm the target date of approval.

“Staff are still finalizing some details.” Asked for updates, Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara replied via text that the panel is “still finalizing but almost complete” in its task.

Panel Vice-Chairman Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda of Albay’s 2nd District initially said the bicameral panel was set to approve and ratify the bill on Monday. The target was later moved to Tuesday.

Mr. Angara had said on Sunday that the initial postponement was to give senators more time to review amendments proposed by members of the House.

In a briefing with reporters ahead of the announcement, Mr. Salceda said the House and Senate contingents have settled differences and were ready to approve the reconciled spending plan. “Ready na po, nagkasundo na ’yung

House at Senate (have come to an agreement); konting detalye na lang

(we just have to iron out a few details),” Mr. Salceda told reporters in a briefing, Monday. He assured that final version of the budget will be submitted to President Rodrigo R. Duterte for signing by the time Congress adjourns for the Dec. 21, 2019-January 19, 2020 break.

“Dec. 21 nasa desk na ng Pangulo

(The budget will be on the President’s desk by Dec. 21),” he said.

The bicameral panel started its work on Nov. 29 when both chambers agreed to allow Messrs. Angara and Ungab to hold a one-on-one meeting to discuss their respective proposals.