Post-third reading ‘errata’ on budget bill unconstitutional, Lacson reiterates

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday stood firm that it is unconstitutional to amend the general appropriations bill after third reading even if the House of Representatives claim that only government agencies, not lawmakers, will be allowed to submit "errata."

The senator said Article VI, Section 26 made no exemptions when it stated that "upon the last reading of a bill, no amendment thereto shall be allowed."

"Wala namang sinasabi ang Constitution na pag naghahabol ng 'errata' hindi applicable," Lacson said in a message.

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan earlier said that all other corrections after approval on third reading should be taken up in the bicameral conference committee meetings.

"Kapag meron silang correction or meron silang intervention, it has to be in the bicam, not to be an errata, lalo na kung napakalaki ng mga halaga," Pangilinan said.

On Sunday, House appropriations chair Eric Yap assured the public that only government departments and agencies, and not lawmakers themselves, will be able to make amendments to the approved budget bill.

"Puro agency-initiated ito. Kaya ko laging ine-emphasize yun kasi bugbog na bugbog kami sa Congress. Laging sinasabi na parang nagpasok ng pork, nag-insert. Wala akong pinayagan na mag-insert na mga congressman at walang congressman na ganun," Yap said. "Ang errata, galing lahat sa agencies, walang galing sa congressman."

Yap said the House targets to submit the softcopy of the budget bill to the Senate and the National Printing Office on October 28. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News