Pacquiao alarmed over ballooning national budget, low utilization

Presidential aspirant and Senator Manny Pacquiao urged government agencies to be responsible in seeking their annual appropriations, citing that the government's budget is increasing by the year, yet income is still low.

“Huwag masyadong spoiled masyado mag-propose ng budget, maglobo nang lobo ng budget palaki nang palaki ng budget na hindi naman necessary,” Pacquiao said in Saleema Refran’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday.

(We should not be spoiled in proposing a budget, let us consider the growing budget, which is not necessary.)

“At hindi naiimplement sa buong taon nasasayang lang eh yung pera na ‘yan uutangin lang naman natin ‘yan,” he added.

(They are not being implemented the whole year. It will just be a waste of money, which we still borrow.)

He asked agencies to plan wisely and use their budget for relevant and necessary programs.

The senator earlier warned the increase in budget could only result in more money for corruption.

He also vowed to detain corrupt government officials if he wins the presidency next year.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News