House exec lauds Marcos decision to keep health emergency status

The House of Representatives started the first regular session of the 19th Congress on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022. (Photo from a livestream posted on the Facebook account of the House of Representatives)

Updated 3:12 p.m.

MANILA, Philippines — A House of Representatives official has lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s move to extend the state of national health emergency over the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it would be something to consider when Congress deliberates the proposed 2023 budget.

In a statement on Thursday, Majority Floor Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe said that there is a need to continue enforcing the declaration made by former president Rodrigo Duterte — even as COVID-19 cases have gone down.

“We are thankful that President Marcos acted swiftly to extend the state of national health emergency previously declared by President Duterte through proclamation 922,” Dalipe said.

“Although the Covid cases have declined dramatically, the emergence of new variants still requires extraordinary measures to protect the health of our citizens,” he added.

Dalipe also promised that Marcos’ move would be taken into account once the House starts deliberating the proposed 2023 budget, which is a record-high P5.268 trillion.

Last July 8, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman admitted that they would use the full length of the time prescribed to craft the budget, but vowed that it would be at the hands of Congress by August 22 — right within the deadline prescribed by the 1987 Constitution.

READ: DBM chief vows to hand Congress P5.268-T 2023 budget by Aug. 22 

Under the Constitution, the President must submit a proposed budget to Congress 30 days after the latter opens its session — or after he or she delivers the State of the Nation Address. As the 19th Congress opened last July 25, they will have until August 23 to submit the budget.

“The House leadership will take this into account as we begin deliberations on the government’s National Expenditure Program,” Dalipe noted.

Last Tuesday, Dalipe and other members of the Majority, including Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo, expressed confidence that the House would approve the proposed 2023 budget before it goes on a recess in October.

READ: House leaders expect to pass 2023 budget before October recess 

Dalipe said that all it would take is efficient time management, while Quimbo claimed that per-agency hearings might end by September 16 — which means after that, the plenary will discuss the proposed budget for each agency.

JMS/abc