Senatorial candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro said on Sunday he is optimistic that the next set of members in Congress would play a crucial role in helping the new administration manage its public debt with P12-trillion worth of loans.
The former Tarlac represenative and 1989 Bar toopnotcher said lawmakers have to carefully discuss the next administration’s programs and spending during the budget deliberations.
“The most crucial legislation for me is the General Appropriations Act (GAA) because the government’s projects will only move when you pass the national budget,” Teodoro said in a statement.
“(But) this time, it is more complex because we have a national debt of P12-trillion,” he pointed out.
“How are we going to fund our programs? Are we going to raise our revenue generation or borrow more? It is a complex situation but you will have to make hard choices,” he stressed.
Teodoro said it is imperative that the next administration employ a “whole-of-government” approach in addressing the public debt obligations.
“That is why it is crucial that the legislative body is aligned with the executive so we can craft legislations supporting the next administration's position on funding the government's future programs,” he said.