NEDA chief Karl Chua hit for not physically attending House budget hearing, apologizes

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua was criticized Thursday for not being physically present during the House Committee on Appropriations’ deliberations on the proposed P5.024-trillion national budget for 2022.

“I would just like to express my personal disappointment on the physical absence of our good secretary, si Secretary Karl Chua,” Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said.

Quimbo noted that some of those who physically attended the House discussions were older than the NEDA chief.

Chua, at 43 years old, is the youngest among the Duterte administration’s economic managers.

Quimbo said Chua’s “physical absence” can be construed as being “highly risk-averse,” when he said that high risk aversion restricted productivity and economic growth.

The NEDA chief apologized for being virtually present only.

“I have sent a letter to the chairman explaining our predicament,” Chua said, adding that “my presence in the plenary debate will be assured.” — RSJ, GMA News