Transcript of Ambush Interview of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

Supplemental Budget

Q: Sir, the supplemental...

SP: Oo, calamity fund 'yata.

Q: Na-source na ba, sir, where it will come from?

SP: It will be taken from the unprogrammed portion of the present budget and it will be funded. Alam mo, ang unprogrammed is a reserved item to be used in times of need, so there are contingencies. So, this situation is a contingency that was contemplated by the unprogrammed portion of the budget so they will have to fund that probably through borrowing or through savings or whatever sources are available in the hands of the national government.

Q: Sir, kanina na-raise 'yung possibility that it will be taken from the royalties of the Malampaya?

SP: They can do that if they have the amount but the income from Malampaya is booked by PNOC in its own books of account. So, they have to take that out in the form of a loan, dividend or whatever.

Q: Pero wala namang legal impediments?

SP: Walang legal impediments.

Q: Sir, maihahabol natin ang pagpasa nito?

SP: Kung icecertify nila, we can approve this in 10 minutes.

Q: Sir, wala pang certification because tomorrow is your last day of session?

SP: Wala pa yata. Ewan ko kung meron. Napasa na sa House, so that means there is a certification. Imposibleng ipapasa ng ganoon kabilis sa House kung walang certification.

Q: Kailangan bang i-sign ni Presidente ang resolution?

SP: Yes, I think so. She has to certify it. I'm not sure.

Q: Sir, narinig ko kay Senator Angara na there is no need for the signature.

SP: Siguro nga. I'm not very familiar with the signature of the President kung ano ang pipirmahan niya at hindi niya pipirmahan.

Q: Magkakaproblema ba doon sa structure ng special committee?

SP: Wala naman but tinatanong ko lang kung ano ang istruktura noon at 'yung pera na gagamitin nila must pass through Congress.

Q: Ito ang mag-ooversee kasi ng construction...

SP: Okay lang 'yung oversight kung sila ang mag-ooversee. Pero 'yung authorization to spend must be made by Congress.