Sotto: Senate eyes OK of 2019 budget next Monday

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. INQUIRER.NET / CATHY MIRANDA

Update

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has targeted the approval of the 2019 national budget on second and third reading next Monday, Jan. 21, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Monday.

Sotto said that by Wednesday this week, the Senate would be able to terminate the period of interpellations on the 2019 budget.

“And then Monday, we approve on second and third reading,” he said in an interview at the Senate.

Sotto mentioned the timeline of the budget approval when he stressed the necessity of immediately resolving the deadlock on the proposed abolition of the Road Board.

During an all senators-caucus, the Senate maintained its position that it has already adopted the House of Representatives’ version of a bill, abolishing the board.

The House had already passed the bill but only to recall it later.

During the caucus, the Senate leadership directed Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri to meet with House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya to discuss why they should convene the bicameral conference committee to discuss the Road Board abolition.

Once the Road Board is abolished, Sotto said the funds collected by the board might be included in the Department of Public Works and Highway’s budget.

“Kaya ko sinasabi yon (budget timeline), binabanggit yon, yung possibility doon sa funds ng road board ay mailagay dun sa amendments ng Department of Public Works budget,” the Senate leader pointed out.

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