The government is operating on the reenacted 2018 national budget, also about P3.8 trillion, because of Congress’ failure to enact the 2019 budget before going on Christmas recess in December last year. The salary level authorized in the 2018 budget covers the third tranche of SSL but not the fourth tranche,” he said. Since the 2019 budget is yet to be approved, there is no legal basis for giving the fourth tranche,” Diokno added. Malacañang urged Congress on Monday night to pass the 2019 budget to enable the government to meet the schedule for the payment of the fourth tranche. The House approved the 2019 national budget on Nov. 20 last year and sent it to the Senate two days later.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 08, 2019 23:15 UTC