Press Release
November 25, 2019

Statement by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on statement made by Rep. Mikee Romero blaming the Senate for the delay in the budget of the 30th SEA Games

Ito ay malaking insulto sa Senado. This is an insult to the leadership of the Senate.

His accusations are misplaced and baseless, to say the least. The delay in the passage of the 2019 national budget was caused by unconstitutional insertions blatantly made by the House of Representatives in the budget to the tune of P95.3 billion worth of pork barrel funds.

Kung pinayagan po nating makalusot itong P95.3 billion pork barrel, kaya nitong punuin yung P50-million kaldero sa SEA Games.

To refresh Mr. Romero's memory, had it not been for the solution or compromise that I proposed, which enabled Senate President Vicente Sotto to sign and send the 2019 budget to Malacañang, we would not have resolved the 2019 budget impasse and we would have continued on a reenacted budget. Had it not been for my efforts, certain quarters in the administration would have pushed through with recommending to the President the veto of the entire 2019 budget.

Hence, I reject Mr. Romero's unfounded accusations.

Mr. Romero should refrain from issuing irresponsible and baseless statements.

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