The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is seeing some challenges in the passage of the 2021 budget, with the proposed budget covering a pre-election year.
“We are positive that we will be on time. But of course, we also know that 2021 is the budget before the election. So we see also some challenges that we might face and hopefully we’ll be able to try to prevent them,” Janet Abuel, DBM undersecretary, said on the sidelines of an economic forum in Makati City last Tuesday.
“But it’s more on the part, where we have already submitted the budget to Congress. But insofar as the executive level, hopefully we don’t see any problem or constraints,” she added.
Recently, there also has been a change in leadership in the lower house’s appropriations committee, with Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab being replaced chairman of the committee by ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap.
As of the interview, Abuel said the DBM has not yet spoken to the new house committee chair.
“I’m not sure (if the change in leadership is one of the challenges but) it just shows you how variable it can be,” Abuel said.
“From the end of the DBM, what is important to us is we’re able to reflect the President’s budget. If you have the backing or the support of the President, then it would be easier to defend it in Congress, so that is our hope. And then of course, you must have strong supportive leaders in both houses. If they support the President… the expectation is they would likely support the budget. I hope (they will), but it remains to be seen,” she added.
Abuel said the 2021 budget will continue to prioritize human capital development and the “Build, Build, Build” program of the government.
“The agencies now are preparing their budgets in accordance with the budget call,” she said.
