“This is unnecessary speculation,” Secretary Diokno said, in response to remarks from Congressman Rolando Andaya suggesting that 75-billion worth of funds would be restored to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through the President’s veto message after having already been realigned by Congress to other projects.

“The President can veto particular line items in the budget, but he cannot introduce new items or bring back items that have already been deleted by Congress,” Secretary Diokno explained.

“Congress should respect the President’s constitutional power to veto. It is improper for a legislator to interfere with the President’s constitutional power, or to encourage such wild speculation around it.” Secretary Diokno added.

Article VI, Section 27 of the 1987 Constitution affords the President the power to exercise line-item veto in an appropriation, revenue, or tariff bill. However, Congress may reconsider the president's veto by a vote of two-thirds of all the members of the house.

“Congress has done their job. They should let [the executive] do ours. If they are not happy with the President’s veto message, they may still override it through a vote. That is the essence of checks and balances” the budget chief said.

The Department of Budget and Management is tasked to review the enrolled General Appropriations Bill and submit appropriate recommendations to the President and the bases thereof.

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