Palace: No conflict in asking Congress to redefine savings
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The joint resolution proposed by President Benigno Aquino III to Congress does not conflict with the Supreme Court decision declaring parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said it is their way of asking Congress to re-define savings.
“We’re now coming before Congress, we’re asking you: Can we redefine what saving is? What unprogrammed fund is?” he said.
“We’re not circumventing the process,” he added.
Lacierda said such clarifications on when a fund can be declared savings and when it can be accessed lies within the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives.
He clarified that it does not mean that Malacañang was foregoing its motion for reconsideration before the high court.
“We continue to hold on to our motion for reconsideration,” he said.
However, Lacierda said they also decided to propose a supplemental budget because DAP projects needing funding could not wait for the SC’s decision.
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