DUE to a lack of funding in the new fiscal year budget, the Legislative Bureau “will be unable to sustain the basic operations necessary to support our legislative work,” LB Director Perry John P. Tenorio said in a memorandum on Tuesday.
He informed Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero and Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez that Public Law 23-26, which Gov. Arnold I. Palacios signed on Monday, appropriating $117 million for government operations and personnel in FY 2025, does not include funding for the LB’s operations.
“This effectively leaves us with no available funds beyond those appropriated for personnel and utilities,” Tenorio said.
He said the lack of funding “will severely handicap” the LB’s ability to function effectively.
“Without sufficient funds to cover essential services, such as maintenance, cleaning, technology, communications, and professional services, the Legislative Bureau won’t be able to sustain basic operation,” he added.
Tenorio said, “The inability to address the needs of the bureau will hinder our capability to maintain the facilities, access crucial research and legal tools, and support legislative activities like inter-island travel and committee meetings.”
“It is imperative that funds be allocated to this account to ensure that the Legislative Bureau can continue to fulfill its mandate without disruption,” he said.
In the government’s FY 2024 budget, $579,295 was allotted for the LB’s operations.
