Arroyo: House has not withdrawn its version of budget

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. INQUIRER file photo / JUNJIE MENDOZA

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has not withdrawn its version of the proposed 2019 national budget, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo clarified on Tuesday.

“No, we have not withdrawn our version. We’re in discussions about what is the proposed new version,” the Pampanga congresswoman told reporters in an interview at a conference in Taguig City.

Arroyo said she would meet House members later with San Juan City Rep. Ronaldo Zamora who had confirmed Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s statement that the lower chamber has agreed to recall its version of the budget bill.

READ: House withdrawing its version of 2019 budget – Lacson

The House leader said they would oppose a budget with lump-sum appropriations as this is “unconstitutional.

READ: Arroyo: House can’t agree to lump sums in 2019 budget

“We will insist on no lump sum because that is what is unconstitutional. That’s what we will insist on, no lump sum. Now, as to the details, that’s the one that we’ll see,” she said.

If Congress could not come to an agreement, Arroyo said, “then there’s no bill to send to the President.”

“So I do not know if we will [agree] but I would wish we would,” the Speaker added. /cbb