House session suspension won’t stall passage of 2021 budget — Roque

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — For presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the House of Representatives’ session suspension until November 16 will not stall the passage of the proposed 2021 national budget.

Roque said the Senate may proceed with its budget deliberations as there is no requirement for them to wait for the House’s third and final approval of the bill.

“Because there is no requirement that the Senate must wait for the approval on third and final reading. It is enough that the budget originated from the House,” Roque said Wednesday in an interview over CNN Philippines.

“In fact, even prior to approval of second reading, we know in the news that the Senate has already commenced its deliberation on the House budget. So I don’t think it will have any effect on passing the budget on time,” he added.

The House suspended its session after approving on Tuesday the proposed budget for 2021 on second reading.

The lower chamber will vote on the final approval of the proposed national budget for 2021 when it resumes session on November 16.

“And now, we’re expecting that as soon as it is printed and brought to the floor for the third reading, that all the administration parties, all those who are supportive of the President will cast an aye vote or a yes vote,” Roque said.

However, this did not sit well with Senate President Vicente Sotto III who said the House “disregarded” President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to prioritize the passage of the budget.

When sought for reaction on Sotto’s remarks, Roque said: “I think everyone is just playing safe.”

Roque has repeatedly stressed that the President does not want a reenacted budget next year as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

JPV