By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has called on the House of Representatives to transmit the approved General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to the Senate before October 25 to allow sufficient time for review.
“Ayon sa Kamara, isa-submit nila ang GAB o General Appropriations Bill—ito ang bersyon ng Kamara ng budget para sa darating na taon—sa October 25. Sabi ko, baka pwedeng mas maaga kung kaya para mas ma-review na namin, pero ang timeline nila ay October 25,” Escudero said.
Escudero mentioned that if the GAB is transmitted early, the Senate may begin interpellations by November 5 or 6.
“Baka masimulan na rin namin ang interpellations sa general principles ng November 5 o 6, at magpapatuloy ang plenary debates the following week,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Senate chief noted that they aim to complete the budget deliberations by December.
“Inaasahan namin, maaprubahan ang budget at the latest the second week of December, at the earliest first week of December,” he said.
House members approved the GAB on third and final reading last September 25.
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