Record P2.268-T Phl budget needs accountability and checks

August 1, 2013
Bouyed by the continued record economic performance of the country, President Aquino has submitted to Congress a national government budget proposal involving a record high of P2.268 trillion for 2014. Next year’s proposed budget is 13.1 percent higher than the current year’s budget of P2.006 trillion and the President explained that it is designed as a tool to maximize and fortify the foundations for inclusive development.
The Chief Executive said the proposed budget will enable the nation to sustain its growth trajectory in a way that promotes growth that directly and substantially benefits the lowest of sectors.
As in previous years, education got the lion’s share of the budget with P336.9 billion allocated for the Department of Education (DepEd). Also in the Top 10 priorities are the Department of Public Works and Highways with P213.5 billion, Department of Interior and Local Government with P135.4 billion, Department of National Defense with P123.1 billion, Department of Health with P87.13 billion, Department of Agriculture with P80.7 billion, Department of Social Welfare and Development with P79 billion, Department of Transportation and Communications with P48.7 billion, Department of Environment and Natural Resources with P23.9 billion and Department of Agrarian Reform with P20.4 billion.
The House of Representatives whose main job is to scrutinize thoroughly and approve the national budget should act with dispatch on the measure which has been submitted by Malacanang. But more than providing necessary allocations to government services and projects, Congress should provide support to government so that the budget could be sustained by collection of taxes and other revenues. The people will be watching closely the action of Congress and the Palace on the budget coming as it is amidst the controversy on the alleged misuse of P10 billion “pork barrel” by the lawmakers, triggering calls for the abolition of the funds.
While it seems a good move for President Aquino to increase funding for all these programs to sustain the country’s growth and development, it is imperative that the release of the budget be done with extreme caution. In light of the P10 billion pork barrel scandal, the release of these funds to any agency, especially in the form of pork barrel must be based solely on the agency’s performance and measured results. There ought to be an efficient way of measuring results and performances of monies given out. Without accountability and checks this increase in budget will be like throwing more meat to these ravening wolves.