DBM authority to take over gov’t savings ‘system of control’—Enrile | Inquirer News

DBM authority to take over gov’t savings ‘system of control’—Enrile

By: - Reporter / @MAgerINQ
/ 12:35 PM September 14, 2011

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile views as a “system of control” a provision in the 2012 General Appropriation Act that will allow the Department of Budget to take over the savings of judicial, legislative, and constitutional bodies.

Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“We operate on a principle of separation of powers. People allocated powers to three departments of government. We’re equal, independent and coordinate. None should control the other,” Enrile said during the hearing of the Senate finance committee on Wednesday.

“What I’m saying, as far as I’m concerned and I’m not binding the Senate, as far I’m concerned the way I see this there’s a system of control that is unwarranted,” Enrile said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Senate leader was referring to the miscellaneous personnel benefit fund (MPBF) intended for unfilled positions in government agencies but would only be automatically released once the positions were filled up.

FEATURED STORIES

Enrile raised his observation during the budget hearing of the judiciary, which openly opposed the transfer of P1.985 billion to the MPBF in 2012.

Enrile said the MPBF would become a “huge pork barrel” if not utilized, the same apprehension raised by Senator Joker Arroyo.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Let’s realistic about it, at the end of the year, if MPBF is not used, then it becomes savings? And whose savings will it be? Savings of the Supreme Court, savings of Congress or savings of the executive?” he asked.

Article continues after this advertisement

“This is going to a be huge pork bark barrel,” he said, “I will support Malacanang on various issues but I think Congress will have to put its foot down …The executive proposes it [budget] but Congress will dispose it and we have to follow the Constitution.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Enrile also questioned the decreasing budget of the judiciary when the Constitution clearly provides that the budget of the judiciary should not be reduced.

From P14.6 billion in 2010, the budget of the judiciary was reduced to P14.2 billion in 2011 and P13.3 billion for 2012.

Article continues after this advertisement

“It’s very clear in the Constitution, the judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations to the judiciary may not be reduced. There could be no better language than that,” said Enrile.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: DBM, Government

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.