One-year extension of 2019 budget sought

MANILA, Philippines — To avoid further delays in government projects and operations, Deputy Speaker and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda has sought a one-year extension of the 2019 budget for capital outlays and operating expenses.

Legarda, former chair of the Senate finance committee, filed proposed Joint Resolution No. 9, extending the availability of the current P3.7-trillion budget until Dec. 31, 2020.

Legarda said she wished to avoid a scenario in which unreleased appropriations would automatically revert to the national treasury as surplus or savings once the validity of the budget lapses at the end of 2019.

This could mean zero funds for priority projects, medical assistance and relief activities, as well as maintenance, construction or repair of school buildings, hospitals, roads, bridges and other essential government facilities, she said.

Certain government programs, she said, had not been implemented because of the monthslong delay in the passage of the 2019 budget and the mandatory ban on infrastructure projects and social services during the May elections.