Move affects Deped, DOLE, DOT; Sen. Pimentel sees ’valid points’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed three items under the P5.268-trillion government budget for 2023 because they would effectively amend existing laws.
“In keeping with my constitutional duty to ensure faithful execution of the laws, I am constrained to directly veto the provisions introduced in this budget which do not relate to any particular appropriations and would effectively amend substantive laws. These are considered inappropriate provisions that warrant the exercise of presidential veto,” the President said.
One of the affected items was Department of Education (DepEd)-Office of the Secretary (OSEC), Special Provision No. 4, Revolving Fund of DepEd TV, which is the department’s television-based instruction aired on national and regional partner stations.
The President also vetoed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), Special Provision No. 1, “Use of Income,” Volume 1-A, Page 1157.
Marcos noted that the NLRC is not granted authority to use its income under existing laws.
Moreover, the subject income already forms part of the revenue and financing sources of the 2023 National Expenditure Program, which he earlier submitted to Congress, he pointed out.
The President also vetoed the proviso “in no case shall the appropriations be utilized to change the tourism campaign slogan” under Department of Tourism (DOT)-OSEC, Special Provision No. 4,
“Branding Campaign Program,” Volume I-B, page 313, inasmuch as it intends to limit the exercise of the functions of the Executive Branch in implementing RA No. 9593 (The Tourism Act of 2009).
Mr. Marcos also said that under the government’s auditing code “unless otherwise specifically provided by law, income accruing to the agencies by virtue of the provisions of the law, orders and regulations shall be deposited in the National Treasury or in any duly authorized government depository and shall accrue to the unappropriated surplus of the General Fund of the government.”
He said a provision in the code states that receipts shall be recorded as income of special, fiduciary or trust funds or funds other than the General Fund only when authorized by law.
The President said the NLRC is not granted the authority to use its income under existing laws.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said the President raised valid points in his veto message.
“I hope that the prioritization of the education sector as mandated by the Constitution is really reflected in the budget law after the veto,” he said.
Also, he noted that they would still have to monitor how the budget is actually implemented.
Senator Joel Villanueva said it is the President’s prerogative to veto some of the provisions of the General Appropriations Act.
“We trust in his wisdom. The work of the legislature now is to continue its oversight powers and ensure that appropriated funds are spent economically, efficiently and effectively,” he added.
Senator Nancy Binay said she respects the President’s power and prerogative to veto, but noted that rebranding and marketing can be very costly.
Given the country’s financial challenges, changing to a new slogan at this time may not be a compelling argument.
“As much as possible, we don’t want potential tourists to be confused with constantly changing messages every time they watch our new ads on television and social media,” she added.
She said she remains hopeful that the DOT considers deferring its plan to rebrand and replace the ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines!’ campaign.