Pimentel confident budget, tax reform bills to be approved before recess
By Arjay L. Balinbin
SENATE PRESIDENT Aquilino L. Pimentel III said on Tuesday, Nov. 21, he is now “happy” that his Chamber will be able to pass the budget before the legislative break in December.
“Hindi na po (It will not be) delayed. Nag-caucus kami kahapon (We had a caucus yesterday) regarding procedure, special procedure for the budget, given the voluminous documents),” Mr. Pimentel said.
“Every amend[ment] affects other parts of the budget so nag-usap kami don (so we talked about that) and the procedure that we will observe, which will be more transparent than the past procedures kasi may (because there is a) floor action, dati walang (before there was no) floor action.”
As for the Senate version of the tax reform bill still being debated in that chamber, “Bukas (Tomorrow) we will start the tax reform (bill). Ready kami hanggang (We are ready until) Thursday. Nakiusap kami sa (We pleaded with the) minority that just in case di matapos ng (it will not be finished after) the whole day ng (of) Wednesday na (that they) clear the calendar on Thursday, payag naman sila (they agreed),” Mr. Pimentel further said.
Mr. Pimentel also said his colleagues are “cooperative” when it comes to adjustments in the schedule.
“I’m getting the cooperation I need, so I am confident. These are two certified measures anyway, once matapos sila pwedeng tuloy-tuloy (once it is all done we can continue) on the same day ang (with the) approval,” Mr. Pimentel said.
“10 o’clock kami mag start bukas hanggang sawa (We will start at 10:00 o’clock on Wednesday, Nov. 22). Then sabi ko reserve your (Then I told them to reserve Thursday 3:00 p.m. naman kasi (because my) assumption ko puyat. Magpapahinga sa (Rest time in the) morning, so 3:00 p.m.,” Mr. Pimentel added.
“Pagkatapos ng (After) second amendments, move to approve second reading, then move to approve third reading.”
Mr. Pimentel also said the same procedure will be followed for the budget.
“Ang budget ganun din (For budget as well). By next week tapos na ang budget (is done) on third reading. Pareho ng bicam ’yun (Then bicameral meetings for both).
