Diokno: Andaya’s claim of no budget for BOL plebiscite ‘false news’

MANILA, Philippines – Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno slammed as “false news” the claim of House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. that the government failed to allocate funds for the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

In his privilege speech on Monday, Andaya wondered how the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would conduct the plebiscite without any appropriation approved by Congress.

“Another false news. There’s P111.8 million in the 2018 GAA and another P95.8 million in the 2019 national expenditure program. COMELEC has continuing appropriations amounting to P409.5 million as of end Sept 2018. If more is needed, the Executive Department can source it from the 2018 Contingent Fund which has balance of P3.5 billion as of today,” Diokno said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Monday that Andaya’s allegations were “misplaced and without basis.”

“His statement is misplaced and without basis. There are funds for the plebiscite,” Panelo said. /kga