Re-enacted budget bill good for PSC

The failure of the Senate and the House of Representatives to agree on the proposed national budget for 2006 may prove to be a big blessing in disguise for the Philippine Sports Commission.

Under the proposed P1.053 trillion budget, the PSC, which is the government’s funding arm in sports, is set to receive a measly P28 million, a far cry from the P104 million it got last year.

But the Senate and the House of Representatives failing to come to terms before Congress adjourned last Thursday will lead to a re-enacted budget.

Congress resumes on July 4. And by that time, the six-month period from January to June to ratify a new budget would have lapsed, leading to a re-enacted one.

"The PSC has been praying for this — a re-enacted budget. Because if that happens, the PSC will get the same budget of last year, which is bigger," said PSC senior executive officer Joseph Encabo.

"But unless President Arroyo signs a re-enacted budget, the PSC will have to hold on to its jubilation. It is not yet official," Encabo added.

"But things are pointing to a re-enacted budget. Our senators and our congressmen can’t seem to agree on the new budget. So, doon na nga papunta ang putol ng puno," he said.

Chairman Butch Ramirez of the PSC is out of the country, on an official visit to Germany and England where he is scheduled to meet his fellow sports ministers.