House panel to scrutinize P7.5-billion Customs budget

As it started deliberations on the proposed P1.8-trillion budget for next year, the House appropriations committee on Monday was expected to scrutinize the proposed P7.5-billion budget for the Bureau of Customs, which is nine times higher than the agency's budget allocation this year. The House panel will have to approve the budget proposal of the Customs before it is sent to the plenary for final deliberations. On Monday, members of the economic development cluster were first to face the House panel to brief the committee members on the outlook and macro-economic assumptions for the Philippine economy in 2012. In attendance were Budget chief Florencio Abad, Finance chief Cesar Purisima, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetango Jr. and Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez. Purisima discussed the country’s fiscal performance last year. He is also expected to detail the revenue outlook for 2012, from which the government will get the proposed budget. Appropriations committee chairperson Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya said last week that Congress plans to submit the 2012 budget to President Benigno Aquino III for signing before Christmas this year. - VVP, GMA News