Amendments in budget post-approval by ‘errata’ inconsistent with Constitution — Pangilinan

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives introducing amendments via “errata” to the P4.5 trillion budget after approval on third reading is inconsistent with the constitutional process of legislation, Senator Francis Pangilinan on Sunday.

“Sa atin sa Senate, and this was already manifested on the floor last week, once it is approved on third and final reading, kung material yung errata, teka muna, hindi na ito consistent with the constitutional process, ika nga, of legislation,” Pangilinan in a radio interview over dzBB.

(This was already manifested on the Senate floor last week that once it is approved on third and final reading and the material is errata, wait, this is inconsistent with the constitutional process of legislation.)

Pangilinan was sought for comment on House appropriations chair Eric Yap’s statement that amendments will be made to the budget they approved last Friday before it is submitted to the Senate.

“Ang period of amendments, ang mga errata galing lahat sa agencies, walang galing sa congressman,” Yap said in a radio interview also on Sunday.

(The period of amendments, the errata will come from the agencies, nothing will come from congressmen.)

Lacson stressed that any correction or intervention must be made through the bicameral conference, especially if it involves a huge amount.

Last week, senators raised concerns the post-approval amendments might be made in the proposed 2021 national budget if the House will not immediately send the printed copy of the measure to the Senate.

/MUF