THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental is eyeing a two-week hearing of the proposed P4.4 billion budget for 2021.
Lawyer Maki Angel Ascalon, SP secretary, said they are finalizing the schedule, which may be released next week.
"Tentatively it will start on November 11," Ascalon said.
She added there will be marathon hearings, but it will be spread out in two weeks.
Board Member Rommel Debulgado (1st district), will lead the budget hearings as chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson submitted the proposed budget to the SP two weeks ago.
The proposed general fund budget is P4,471,695,065, where P1,641,424,244 is allocated for personal services, P1,374,658,871 for maintenance and other operating expenses, P12,000,000 for capital outlay and P1,443,611,950 for special purpose appropriations.
The P4.4 billion will come from tax revenues totaling P98,000,000, non-tax revenues – P380,357,719, and Internal Revenue Allotment – P3,993,337,346.
Lacson said the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an economic loss of P9.57 billion in Negros Occidental.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer assured the approval of the proposed 2021 budget will be on time "as funds are needed amid the Covid-19 pandemic."