MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte finally signed the P3.757-trillion 2019 national budget but vetoed provisions on P95.3 billion worth of programs and projects introduced by the House of Representatives.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed on Monday the signing of Duterte of the General Appropriations Act for 2019, or Republic Act 11260.
Medialdea added Duterte vetoed the House-introduced appropriations for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as it was not part of the President’s priority projects.
“Yes,” the Executive secretary said. “The President, among others, vetoed the 95.3-billion pesos of appropriations in details of DPWH programs/projects, which are not within the programmed priorities.”
Following the dismissal, House Appropriations chairman Rolando Andaya Jr. asked the Palace to immediately reveal the details of provisions vetoed by Duterte.
“In the interest of transparency and for the guidance of the public, I urge Malacañang to release the President’s veto message in full immediately so that we can base our reaction on the official document,” Andaya said.
“My friends in the Senate are going to town claiming victory over the deletion of the House amendments. Does this mean the Senate pork remains intact?” the lawmaker added.
The 2019 national budget bill was originally ratified in early February but remained dormant in the House and not immediately transmitted to the Senate and Malacañang as congressmen need to itemize the lump sums.
After an impasse in the Senate, the budget bill was sent last month to Malacañang for Duterte’s signature after Senate President Vicente Sotto III signed the measure with reservations./PN
