Lacson to scrutinize DPWH projects in proposed 2021 budget to avoid ‘double’ appropriations

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday said he has already spotted some questionable appropriations for infrastructure in the proposed national budget for 2021.

In an online interview with reporters, Lacson said the technical description of some projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are the same as those indicated under the 2020 General Appropriations Act.

"May nakita na kaming mga questionable and we want it clarified. For example, naulit eh. Maraming mga infra na naroon na sa 2020 budget, narito na naman sa 2021 budget," he said.

"Kung hindi discontinued ang project sa 2020 under DPWH, bakit popondohan mo, may pondo na 'yan? So to me, that’s a big issue. Kasi baka double appropriation kalabasan nito," he added.

Lacson said he wants to clarify the matter with Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado.

"Gusto ko malaman. Baka may na-miss ako na di ko alam. Tatanungin natin sa kanila 'yan," he said.

Under the proposed P4.5 trillion budget for the next fiscal year, the Department of Public Works and Highways is the agency with the highest allocation at P667.3 billion, followed by the Department of Education at P606.5 billion.

But sector-wise, education still gets the lion's share of the proposed budget, if the funds earmarked for the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and State Universities and Colleges will be incorporated with that of the DepEd.

Lacson said he is also mulling exploring the possibility of reducing the 2021 national budget, considering the growing debts of the Philippines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Hindi ba dapat mag-adjust naman tayo nang kaunti sa lumobong deficit natin at lumolobong utang? Kasi as of December 2019, ang national debt natin sa P7.8 to 7.9 trillion, e ngayon nasa P10 trillion na tayo," he said.

"Sa laki ng utang natin 'di ba pwedeng magbawas tayo, sa halip na increase tayo ng budget to P4.56T baka puwedeng umatras tayo nang kaunti? Anyway may COVID 'di naman talaga maka-implement fully ang ating mga agencies," he added.

The senator said the government should also consider the debt burden that will be shouldered by the next generation of Filipinos.

Budget deliberations in the Senate may start in the second week of September, according to Lacson. — BM, GMA News