A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Monday said cash aid for farmers should not be mixed with unprogrammed funds in the 2023 budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
“The DA admitted that cash assistance for farmers is lumped with support for infrastructure projects and social programs,” Party-list Rep. Arlene D. Brosas said at a House of Representatives budget hearing.
Under the budget bill, excess revenue from the Rice Tariffication program will be lumped with other sources of funds.
Ms. Brosas called the provision unconstitutional, noting that the basic charter provides that the use of funds should be limited to the purpose of appropriation.
The Agriculture department will get P102.15 billion next year, a 49% increase from its budget this year. — Matthew Carl L. Montecillo
