VOL. XXIX NO. 204 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 FRIday : SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph
Lina says he’s sorry for OFW box mess
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cOngress FigHts PaLace FOr Funds By Christine F. Herrera and Maricel V. Cruz
CONGRESS has moved to regain full control of its own finances to insulate itself from encroachment by the Palace on its fiscal autonomy, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Thursday.
Belmonte said a resolution he filed to protect Congress’ budget from scrutiny by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already been approved on second reading, and is up for plenary debates. “The Senate and the House of Representatives shall have full autonomy in determining the appropriations re-
quired for their operations,” Belmonte and other House leaders said in the resolution. “The present budgetary policies formulated by the Executive, through the Department of Budget and Management, insofar as they apply to the Congress of the Philippines and the Senate, threaten its independence, encroach on its exclusive domain and
violate the principle of separation of powers, upon which the entire fabric of our constitutional system is based,” they added. Their budgets shall not be subject to scrutiny, alterations and control of the DBM, the resolution said, adding that Malacañang should make impositions only on agencies under the Executive branch. Next page
New traffic enforcers. Quezon City policemen direct traffic on Edsa and Kamuning on Thursday, replacing traffic personnel from the Metro Manila Development Authority. MaNNy PalMero
Speaker airs doubts on LP-paid survey By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Thursday he was not “100 percent convinced” about the results of a survey commissioned by the ruling Liberal Party (LP), which showed its standardbearer, Interior Secretary Manuel
Roxas II, being the top candidate for president in 2016. Belmonte added that the reality is that the 2016 presidential elections will most likely not be a twocornered contest, as other public officials have hinted at joining the race. Belmonte, LP vice chairman, said
that while the survey finding was a welcome development, he still wants to see “the big picture” when other candidates are involved. Without citing the polling organization, the Liberal Party announced Wednesday that Roxas would beat Vice President Jejomar Next page
William Blair, friend of PH, passes away
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