Palace: It’s up to Congress to deliberate on its own budget

It’s up to the Congress to discuss the size of the budget of its own members for 2019.

“This is something that Congress has to discuss, review and deliberate upon,” presidential spokesperson Panelo said in a statement issued on Sunday. “The Palace acknowledges the independence of Congress on these matters and we manifest our respect as regards its competence in enacting the budget.”

Panelo said this following the admission of Majority Leader Rolando Andaya, Jr. that members of the House of Representatives would receive P60 million while senators would receive P200 million for pet projects.

Andaya denied that the high budget were pork barrel funds.

READ: Andaya: No pork in 2019 General Appropriations Bill

Meanwhile, Panelo said that Malacañang Palace remained hopeful that Congress would finish its discussion before both chambers would go into recess.

“Members of the Upper Chamber of Congress who support this Administration’s efforts in bringing overall progress to our nation have already publicly stated that they will be working 12 hours a day starting next week to tackle the budget,” he said. “It is the Filipino people who will ultimately benefit from the passage of the budget; hence, we are positive that the rest will follow suit.” /atm