House to resume sessions on Monday, will prioritize 2022 national budget

The House of Representatives will resume its sessions on Monday, and priority will be given to ratifying the P5.024-trillion national budget for 2022, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said on Sunday.

“Our commitment is to ensure that the budget bill, which is focused on getting the Philippines back on the road towards full recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, reaches President Duterte’s desk before the yearend,” Velasco said.

He likewise welcomed the assurance from Senate leaders that it will not allow a reenacted budget for next year.

“We are glad that the Senate is on the same page as the House insofar as the national budget is concerned,” Velasco said.

Last September 30, the House approved on third and final reading the proposed P5.024 trillion budget for fiscal year 2022.

The proposed budget bill was then transmitted to the Senate on October 25.

“As soon as the Senate is done with its own version of the budget, the House will be selecting the contingent to the bicameral conference committee to help reconcile the two versions,” Velasco said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said last week the Senate aims to pass the proposed 2022 national budget by the first week of December.

Fuel excise taxes

Velasco also said the House will tackle proposals on suspending or cutting excise taxes on petroleum products.

“As we prepare for the wider reopening of businesses, we must ensure that our economic recovery will not be hampered by unwelcome disruptions, such as the unimpeded sharp rise in the cost of fuel,” he said.

“Congress would like to be informed of how fuel prices have shot up so fast in a matter of weeks, so that we can possibly come up with measures that will help mitigate this emerging obstacle towards our recuperation,” the Speaker said.

HousePass System

Meanwhile, Velasco said the online HousePass System will be implemented as part of health and security protocols starting Monday.

Staff members will have to show the QR code generated by the system before they are allowed entry to House premises.

Those reporting for work at the House premises will also have to undergo weekly antigen testing to check for COVID-19. 

These are all part of the House’s measures to ensure the health and safety of its members and employees, Velasco said. —KG, GMA News

House to resume sessions on Monday, will prioritize 2022 national budget
Source: Filipino Viral News PH