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Palace vows speedy spending as Senate OKs P1.8-trillion budget

- Aurea Calica -

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang gave assurance yesterday that it would accelerate spending as the Senate approved on third and final reading the proposed P1.8-trillion national budget for 2012.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing that the government would “be spending much, much earlier” and faster.

The administration’s slow spending had been blamed for the decline in the country’s economic growth.

“Compared to this year (in) which we started spending only in June, we will start spending come January. So we can assure the House and the Senate that the disbursements will be released as early as January,” Lacierda said.

He said last year was a period of assessing the infrastructure with respect to disbursements.

“As you know, for instance, in the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) we’re looking at mechanisms by which we can correct the system. It was addressed by Secretary (Rogelio) Babes Singson. So this year we are determined to spend as early as January,” he said.

Lacierda also emphasized that the Palace was consistent in its stand not to push for Charter change even if the European Chamber of Commerce expressed disappointment over this.

“We have noted that position but we still maintain that Charter change is not a priority… We believe the economy can (grow) notwithstanding the lack of Charter change,” he said.

Lacierda said the administration was focusing on improving the business climate amid warnings that it would not get enough investments if the country does not open up.

“But we believe that the government is… haven for more investments considering that we are leveling the playing field, that our rules and regulations will not be changed – we have made a commitment not to change rules in midstream and that’s something that they want, a consistency in business rules, and that’s what we intend to continue to apply,” he said.

As regards Fitch Ratings’ statement that it would be an uphill battle for the Philippines to secure a positive outlook despite the claims of the government that it had gained advances in terms of fiscal management, Lacierda said, “Our position is let’s wait and see.”

“We have, so far, received several upgrades, so we will continue to improve our business climate,” he said.

Putting the budget to good use

Meanwhile, the DPWH announced that Central Luzon and Western Visayas, which have been badly hit by recent typhoons, would receive the biggest budget in the P5.5-billion stimulus package it will release.

Secretary Singson said they would be allocating the amount for the implementation of 376 projects, which will be distributed to the DPWH’s 16 regional offices: National Capital Region (NCR) with 238.1 million; Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with P245.18 million; Region 1 (Ilocos) with P441.25 million; Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) with P237 million; Region 3 (Central Luzon) with P642.6 million; Region 4-A (Calabarzon) with P300 million; Region 4-B (Mimaropa) with P54.5 million; Region 5 (Bicol) with P351.95 million; Region 6 (Western Visayas) with P695.4 million; Region 7 (Central Visayas) with P250 million; Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) with P229.7 million; Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) with P180.5 million; Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) with P250 million; Region 11 (Davao) with P302.9 million; Region 12 (Soccsksargen) with P245.27 million; and Region 13 (Caraga) with P215.7 million.

The remaining P250 million will be set aside as a Quick Response Fund and P369.98 million would be used as payment for validated right-of-way of completed projects.

The P5.5 billion was reportedly a result of their savings from unused appropriations in year 2010 and during the fist three quarters of this year.

Singson said the billion-peso budget is allotted for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, flood control and other projects, many of which have been damaged by recent typhoons.

“These projects already have completed programs of work, and many are quick-disbursing projects below P40 million,” he said.–With Evelyn Macairan

BABES SINGSON

CAGAYAN VALLEY

CENTRAL LUZON

CENTRAL LUZON AND WESTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

LACIERDA

MILLION

REGION

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