Malacañang is not inclined to seek a supplemental budget from Congress to bankroll the increasing cost of rehabilitation of typhoon-hit provinces which now stands at P13.8 billion.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Sunday the government has sufficient funds as of now to address the multi-billion-peso damage to agriculture and infrastructure left by the typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel.”
“As stated by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, there is enough fiscal space in our budget to handle the calamity,” Lacierda said over staterun Radyo ng Bayan, when asked if the Palace will consider seeking additional budget from Congress. Asked if the Palace will seek international aid for people adversely affected by the recent floods, Lacierda said: “Let us wait and see. We will discuss the issue of state calamity this week and we will let you know.” Defense Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin had earlier recommended to President Aquino the declaration of calamity in areas affected by the massive devastation wrought by the back-to-back typhoons, correcting earlier reports that the Defense Chief had called for a national state of calamity.
The proposal is still being studied by the President.
Damage to agriculture and infrastructure has reached P13.8 billion, higher than that left by tropical storm “Ondoy” in 2009.
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