MORE leaders of the House of Representatives are seeking the retention of the original 2018 national budget version amid fears the budgetary cuts on the P50.7 billion for issues of right-of-way acquisitions could jeopardize the Duterte administration’s build, build, build plan.
Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu and Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles opposed the move of Senator Panfilo Lacson to slash the P50.7-billion budget for the right-of-way provision under the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“We stand pat on our version of the national budget next year because the budgetary cuts would definitely endanger the build, build, build plan of President Rodrigo Duterte designed to usher in a golden age of infrastructure for the country,” Abu said.
He made his statement even as Senator Loren Legarda, head of the Senate committee on finance, said the 2018 General Appropriations Bill was a pro-people and needs-based budget.
‘‘In reviewing the 2018 national budget, we scrutinized every item to ensure that we are funding the needs of the people, that it supports the infrastructure program of the government and also takes care of the human capital so that economic growth addresses the needs of the poorest sector,” Legarda said.
“When we address the basic needs of the people, we also curb crime, violence and illegal drugs.”
Nograles said the Senate version “contradicts the progress that the President’s build, build, build plan would bring to the country.”
Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said Congress would not give up its version of the 2018 national budget and defend it in the bicameral conference committee despite the risk of having a reenacted budget in 2018.
Abu raised concern that even projects to benefit Batangas, such as the ongoing clearing of the Batangas City-San Pascual-Bauan access road, would also be affected.
“Such is an important project in my district and province. What will happen now?” he said.