By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Benigno R. Fitial met yesterday with key lawmakers to discuss the reduction of the government’s $193.5 million budget to just over $160 million amid the continued decline in projected revenue.
Senate President Joseph M. Mendiola, Covenant-Tinian, and other lawmakers met with the governor and his finance and budget officials at the administration building.
Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said the administration “is bracing for an impending financial storm.”
A special cabinet meeting will be held tomorrow morning at the governor’s office although the day is a designated austerity holiday.
Some government employees told this reporter that their superiors told them that the administration is considering a reduction in force.
Government employees hired on a contractual basis will be the first to go, and even civil service employees will not be spared, Variety was told.
But this information has yet to be confirmed by the administration.