Militant lawmakers undecided on 2015 budget

MANILA, Philippines - Militant lawmakers are in a dilemma over whether to accept the 2015 budget program in full or contest some questionable provisions before the Supreme Court and see a reenacted budget next year.

Members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives have admitted they are torn between accepting a flawed proposed spending program of P2.606-trillion for next year or making do with a reenacted or recycled outlay.

Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, a member of the bloc, said if they question the 2015 budget before the SC and manage to get a temporary restraining order (TRO), the 2014 budget would have to reenacted.

“We will not accept a reenacted budget. A reenacted budget will essentially be under the discretion of the President,” he said.

He said they are studying whether it is possible to question only selected provisions of the approved budget like those on the new definition of savings as well as the errata or changes proposed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and adopted by the appropriations committee and the House.       

“If ever, it’s not the whole budget that we will question but specific provisions,” he added.

“I think their plan of action is difficult to do, but they are free to challenge the budget once it becomes a law,” Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said when reached for comment.