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The approved budget is 8% higher than the present budget of the region. But only about 15% will go to the priority programs of the regional government as 82% will go to personnel service and maintenance and other operating expenses at 60% and 22%, respectively, the press statement said.
Majority of the members of the Appropriations Committee likewise recognizes this shortcoming and said that they would be supporting initiatives that would move for the additional increase of the region’s annual budget.
Members of the Committee, led by Chairman Joey S. Salceda, promptly endorsed and approved the ARMM proposed budget for FY-2007 in view of the priority thrusts of the regional government.
“ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, who led the justification of the proposed budget of the region, got the unanimous support of the members of the Committee in the effort of the regional government to implement programs and projects designed to improve the dismal socio-economic and peace condition in the region,” the press statement read.
The statement noted that the Committee acknowledged the “efficient handling” of the regional government of the problems faced by its Education department, particularly on its remittance of GSIS contributions.
It also said Akbayan Representative Mario Aguja congratulated Ampatuan for the “on-time remittance of the GSIS contributions of teachers.”
Aguja also filed a motion calling for the allotment of P310-million to pay for the unpaid GSIS premiums of teachers in the region.
The region comprises Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Tawi-tawi, Basilan and Sulu and the Islamic City of Marawi. (MindaNews)
