Proposed supplemental budget slashed by P1.3 billion

AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reduced its proposed supplemental budget to P22 billion after removing P1.3 billion in additional funds for the hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit.

“Perhaps (the DBM will) find other sources for that purpose,” said House majority leader Mandaluyong Representative Neptali Gonzales II.

The DBM initially asked the House of Representatives for P23.34 billion in supplemental budget to fund infrastructure programs in areas devastated by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” and the rehabilitation of the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 ahead of the country’s Apec hosting duties in 2015.

The supplemental budget will also fund projects that were stalled after the Supreme Court struck down the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and some practices under the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), according to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

The bulk or P16.4 billion of the 2015 supplemental budget would be spent on “new and urgent” projects, including P9.5 billion for the Yolanda Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program.

The supplemental budget will also be used to pay P1.85-billion worth of liabilities from infrastructure projects rolled out by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Another P5.08 billion would finance the “priority” projects stalled due to the high court’s rulings on the PDAF and DAP.

Belmonte said he expected the supplemental budget to be passed before the House adjourns for Christmas break on December 19.

President Benigno Aquino III has yet to certify the supplemental budget as urgent.

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