Ombudsman budget breezes through House

MANILA, Philippines — It was practically a walk in the park for the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday, as the hearing in the House of Representatives for its proposed budget for 2023 was terminated barely before getting started.

The appropriations committee chaired by Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list gave Ombudsman Samuel Martires the courtesy his independent, constitutional office rightfully deserves, even as questions may be raised once the process reaches the House plenary.

The ombudsman proposed a P6.38-billion budget for 2023, although the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) wants to retain its P4.7-billion budget like this year, since budgetary requirements for such office prohibit a lower allocation compared to prior years.

Martires, a retired Supreme Court justice, earlier told the House justice committee headed by Rep. Juliet Ferrer about his request for Congress to abolish the Anti-Red Tape Authority whose functions, in reality, are redundant to his office.

“The Office of the Ombudsman would appreciate if Congress can amend or repeal the ARTA Law, which is an unconstitutional law, as it usurps or encroaches upon the powers of the ombudsman, as provided under the 1987 Constitution,” he said.

The ARTA Law was signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in May 2018.

The panel also terminated the budget hearing for the Department of National Defense, which is tasked to secure the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, preserve internal stability, and help in disaster relief efforts.

“The end goal of these tasks is clear: to create a secure environment conducive to national development. When we have a secure and well-defended country, we can be more productive. Stability also allows smooth exchange of goods and services,” Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said.

DOTr budget allotted for railway systems

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista assured lawmakers on Tuesday that President Marcos would definitely walk his talk in his July 25 State of the Nation Address that his administration will be rolling out railways in the country.

During the budget hearing of the agency that is now being scrutinized by the House appropriations committee, Bautista said the increase in their proposed budget for 2023 is due to infrastructure programs.

“The increase is intended for the projects, particularly to support the ongoing implementation of various railway projects as highlighted by President Marcos in his SONA,” Bautista told the panel.

The DOTr proposed a P167.12-billion budget for next year, up from P75.827 billion this year.

Co expressed support for DOTr’s proposed budget, particularly the rail project, noting that Bicolanos like himself are anticipating the restoration of the efficient, affordable and earth-friendly train rides between the region and Metro Manila.

“On a personal note, since I come from the Bicol region, train systems like the South Rail project are of much interest to me and my constituents. It is our fervent hope that it will come to fruition under President Marcos’ leadership,” Co said.

Welcomed

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has welcomed the increased proposed budget for climate change expenditures to P453.1 billion in 2023 from the current P289.7 billion.

CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said climate change is a human rights issue and all human rights are interrelated, interdependent and indivisible.

“Any threat to the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a threat to all other civic, political, economic, social and cultural right. Subsequent programs and policies by the government to address climate change must then be grounded on a human rights-based approach,” De Guia said. – Elizabeth Marcelo