Palace proposed P2.3 trillion budget includes agency work targets

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang has submitted for the first time a “unique” proposed national budget, which contains each agency’s target accomplishment rates, among others, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said on Friday.

“For the first time, the executive presented a unique budget. I expect there will be some debates on it,” Escudero, head of the Senate committee on finance, said over a radio interview.

He said the proposed P2.268 trillon national budget for 2014 now contains the mission, vision, and target accomplishment rates of each agency of government.

The budget, he said, also contains the number of filled and unfilled positions of each agency and its allocation by region.

“It’s good on one hand but some members may not still be used to this kind of presentation of budget,” said the senator.

Escudero noted though that there are still lump sum items in the budget that he would propose to break down.

“I intend to use this budget to fight corruption,  ensure that this will be  used properly and will not be abused,” he added.