The country’s 2021 pandemic budget have been “delayed” as members of the House of Representatives feud over its top post, Malacañang said, adding that President Rodrigo Duterte could call for a special session if needed.
In an unprecedented move, the House approved Tuesday on second reading the P4.5-trillion 2021 national budget upon Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s motion. This was seen as a preemptive action to prevent Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco to takeover the leadership by Oct. 14.
The Senate can continue its own budget deliberations even during the Oct. 17 to Nov. 16 Congress break. However, the “gray area” is whether or not senators can hold a plenary on the budget without receipt of the House version approved on third and final reading, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
“Siguradong reenacted pagka ganyan,” he said when asked what would happen if budget for next year is delayed.
[It will be surely reenacted that way.]
“Kung kinakailangang magpatawag ng special session pagdating ng Dec. 14, Malacañang will do it,” said Roque.
“Pero naniniwala ang Malacañang talaga na ang issue of leadership is a purely internal affair of the House.”
[If a special session needs to be called come Dec. 14, Malacañang will do it. But Malacañang really believes that the issue of leadership is a purely internal affair of the House.]
The 2021 fund includes funds for aid to poor Filipinos, new hospitals, safety gear and vaccine.
