Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Senate to study anti-poverty programs in 2008 nat’l budget

from The Manilla Bulletin Online

By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

Despite being preoccupied with several controversial investigations and pertinent bills, the Senate will work hard in scrutinizing all anti-poverty programs in the proposed R1.227-trillion national budget for 2008 approved by the House of Representatives last Monday.

Senate President Manuel "Manny" B. Villar Jr. said the chamber is now ready to start studying all pro-poor programs included in the budget that is said to involve some R8 billion in public funds.

"The Senate will have to see to it that the pro-poor programs included in the 2008 budget are relevant, realistic, and transparent. We have to make sure that these programs would effectively address the actual needs of poor Filipinos," Villar said.

Villar said that while he welcomes the Lower House’s early approval of the budget last Monday, the 23-man Senate is now preparing for a reconciled version of the budget since it now has ample time to finish the budget process before December ends.

"Congress should be able to present a reconciled version of the 2008 budget for the President’s signature before the end of the year," Villar said.

Villar said he is satisfied with the proposed timetable advanced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile.

Enrile had earlier promised that his committee would be able to report the Senate budget bill for floor deliberations on Nov. 26.

In a forum last Thursday, Enrile said the government’s anti-poverty program would be the main highlight of the budget, underscoring the government’s determination to win the war against poverty.

"Many senators would like to take a closer look at Malacañang’s pro-poor programs and find ways on how to improve its implementation to ensure that the benefits would trickle down to the poor masses," Villar said.

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