Senate OKs ‘pork-less’ Binay budget

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate has approved in the plenary  the   proposed P217 million budget of Vice President Jejomar Binay’s office for 2014  despite his  absence.

The original budget proposal was P417 million but the Vice President  himself  requested that the P200 million from that proposal be cut amid  perception that the amount was “pork barrel”.

No  senator  posed any objection when Binay’s own  daughter,  neophyte Senator   Nancy Binay, moved  for the approval of the budget on Thursday.

At the start of the proceeding  though, Senate President Franklin Drilon inquired  if the chamber would  approve  the  budget of offices, whose  heads were not present.

“The father of Senator Nancy, Mr. President, is unfortunately not here,” said  Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, chairman of the committee on finance.

“So may we know therefore from Senator Binay…What’s your pleasure because usually we don’t approve the budget if the head is not around…” Drilon said.

Responding to Drilon,  Senator Binay said: “Mr. President, I think I have to move for the approval of  the budget of the Office of the Vice President because I might not have a home to go to tonight because I’m still staying with the Vice President.”

“Under those circumstances, I think  the approval of the budget is in order,” Drilon said.

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