Dureza confident gov’t will have funds for BOL implementation

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza expressed confidence Friday that the economic managers will be able to source funds for the implementation of the newly-signed Bangsamoro Organic Law next year even if it was not included in the proposed 2019 national budget.

“Alam naman ng Gabinete namin ‘yan and at the time that they were putting the budget for 2019, at 2018 pa pala hindi pa naipasa ang BOL,” Dureza told reporters before the start of the Cordillera Autonomy Leaders’ Forum with senators in Manila.

“So now there are contingent funds that may be available to support the Bangsamoro (region),” he added.

Asked where the contingent funds will come from, Dureza said he will ask first Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

But he said funds will be made available for the purpose.

“Of course, you know you cannot have a law that will be inutile without logistical support of the government,” Dureza said.

During the budget hearing at the Senate Wednesday, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon asked if the proposed budget for next year took into consideration the new law. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III shook his head.

“Obviously the budget you presented today does not take into account the financial implications of the formation of the Bangsamoro government. Secretary Dominguez is shaking his head so for the record the proposed 2019 budget does not include the projected budget for the Bangsamoro,” Drilon said.

Budget Undersecretary Janet Abuel confirmed the information.

“Indeed, it is not yet incorporated in the 2019 proposed budget,” she said.

She added they would just reallocate the budget allocation for the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We have a proposed budget for the ARMM [Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao] which amounts to P32.2 billion and we can be able to reallocate that considering the complications for the requirements under the BOL,” she said.

In July, Congress ratified the bill creating a new Bangsamoro region while President Rodrigo Duterte led Monday the ceremonial signing. — RSJ, GMA News