Senators Slam House of Representatives Over Delayed 2006 Budget Passage

Strategic Insights -

Senators have expressed outrage over the House of Representatives' alleged attempt to deliberately delay the passage of the 2006 national budget, with some speculating that the move is intended to push for constitutional amendments. The delay, if it occurs, will have severe consequences for government employees, who are expecting a salary increase. Despite efforts by the Senate to expedite the budget process, the House of Representatives appears to be slowing down the proceedings.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Manuel Villar accused the House of Representatives of deliberately delaying the passage of the 2006 budget, which he believes is intended to push for constitutional amendments.
  • Villar apologized to government employees for the delay in their salary increase, which is expected to happen as part of the 2006 budget.
  • Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago criticized the House of Representatives for failing to speed up their budget deliberations, despite the Senate holding parallel hearings to expedite the process.
  • Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel expressed alarm over the potential delay, calling on the House of Representatives to immediately pass the national budget.
  • The House of Representatives is expected to finalize the budget by May this year, according to some calculations made by its leaders.
  • The delay in the budget passage may result in a re-enactment of the 2005 budget and a supplementary appropriation for government worker salaries.

Statistics:

  • The 2006 national budget is expected to be finalized by May this year, according to some calculations made by House leaders.
  • The delay in the budget passage may result in a re-enactment of the 2005 budget.
  • Government employees are expecting a salary increase as part of the 2006 budget.
  • The Senate has been holding parallel hearings to expedite the budget process since last year.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse, 18 JAN 06, Senators on Tuesday expressed dismay over the House of Representatives' alleged deliberate attempt to delay the passage of the 2006 national budget.