MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has not withdrawn its version of the proposed 2019 national budget, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo clarified on Tuesday. “No, we have not withdrawn our version. We’re in discussions about what is the proposed new version,” the Pampanga congresswoman told reporters in an interview at a conference in Taguig City. READ: House withdrawing its version of 2019 budget – LacsonThe House leader said they would oppose a budget with lump-sum appropriations as this is “unconstitutional. READ: Arroyo: House can’t agree to lump sums in 2019 budget“We will insist on no lump sum because that is what is unconstitutional.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 19, 2019 03:45 UTC