Opposition lawmaker questions savings conversion in budget

MANILA, Philippines — An opposition lawmaker has raised the alarm over a new provision in the proposed 2021 budget that would allow the executive department to convert and allocate savings in case of national emergencies to unspecified projects that were not reviewed and approved by Congress.

At the start of deliberations on the P4.5-trillion National Expenditure Program on Friday, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate called his colleagues’ attention to the unusual Section 67 in the budget bill’s General Provisions defining the meaning of savings and allowing the executive to realign funds to unapproved projects.

“It seems this is like a blank check that we’re giving to the executive without the benefit of debate,” Zarate said, noting that the provision effectively allows the executive to realign any item in the budget to an unspecified project on the pretext that it is an antipandemic measure.

“I understand the purpose of this to give the administration room to respond to the pandemic … but if this is included in the meaning of savings, there’s no debate and Congress can no longer exercise its power of the purse,” he said.

Asked to explain the new language in the budget bill, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado admitted that the provision was inserted so the executive would not to have to ask Congress for a new law or a supplementary budget.

“This is just an anticipatory provision in case we have another pandemic or emergency,” Avisado said. “This provision is similar to the Bayanihan law (Republic Act No. 11469) as required by the executive department in the event of a national emergency, so the government can respond quickly, and it will not require a new law.”

Avisado did not explain why the executive department did not want to seek the advice and consent of Congress on theoretical emergencies.

At the budget briefing, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said the P1.1-trillion infrastructure budget was riddled with P397.2 billion worth of lump sums “parked” in the Department of Public Works and Highways.