FRUSTRATED by the ongoing impasse in the proposed 2019 budget due to irreconcilable differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives, Malacañang suggested Thursday, March 14, that it would be better if Congress gets "zero budget."
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the suggestion, as he lamented that Congress is "holding hostage" the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019.
"Sometimes, I'm thinking nga na dapat wala ng pondo iyang Kongreso (that Congress should not get any funding)," the Palace official said.
"Tignan natin kung may tatakbo pa sa Kongreso. Parati tayong nagiging hostage ng away nila (Let's see if anyone will still get interest to run for Congress. We're always being held hostage because of their rift)," he added.
His statement came as the Senate and the House of Representatives have yet to resolve the issues hounding the 2019 general appropriations bill, causing delay for the transmission of the ratified budget for this year to President Rodrigo Duterte's office.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III was not keen to sign the P3.757-trillion general appropriations bill following the supposed last-minute insertions made by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, despite the ratification of the measure.
Duterte met with Senate and House leaders on Tuesday night, March 12, but Congress still failed to reach a consensus on the proposed budget for this year.
Panelo said the Senate and the House of Representatives should set aside their "bickering" and instead look forward to the passage of the proposed 2019 budget.
"They should really resolve that kasi (because) both of them are accusing each other of realignments. They should resolve it among themselves. We will not tell them what to do," he said.
"Wala na tayong magagawa. The Constitution says we do not interfere with them. We can only help, try to persuade them, ask for their patriotism, nationalism, and focus on the welfare of the people. Kalimutan niyo na ang bickering niyo, mga personal whatever. Gawin niyo na lang 'yung budget (Forget your bickerings and do everything to pass the budget)," he added. (SunStar Philippines)