Sotto says Senate ”getting confused” over House position on 2019 budget

March 19, 2019

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Tuesday the Senate is getting confused on the House of Representatives' plan for the 2019 national budget.

"We're already getting confused. What do (they want to do)? We will just wait for them to make up their minds otherwise we can wait until June 30," Sotto said.

"We really don't know what is the intention? What is really the decision of the House leadership?" Sotto asked.

Sotto said they will continue to stand firm on their prior decision.

He said the Senate cannot make a decision which will result into violation of Article 170 of the Revised Penal Code or falsification of legislative documents.

"They said they will not withdraw? Then (let them be). We will see what other options are there for the Senate," he responded.

He also reiterated that the House should not have ratified the budget if they still have to adjust it.

"They should have fixed it during the bicam. But according to other congressmen that we have been talking to, they itemized already. They already itemized even before they ratified and those that were not able to itemize, they itemized after the ratification, which is allowed," said Sotto.

He explained that what is not allowed is internally realigning the budget.

"You cannot internally realign and that is what they did, that is what we don't allow. As far as we are concerned, we do not want to join them in that particular realignment," he said.

Sotto said they will wait for a final decision by May 20 otherwise the reenacted budget will still be used by August.

"If they do not withdraw and revert back to their ratified version, then it's going to be in August for sure," Sotto said. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS