MANILA - Malacañang on Tuesday said it supports the abolition of the Road Board, as the two chambers of Congress clash over the proposal to dissolve the graft-ridden agency.

“Yes. Iyun ang kailangan eh (That’s what’s needed). We want the funds be returned to the treasury and let Congress appropriate again for a specific purpose,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a Palace press briefing.

The executive branch is awaiting the transmittal of the "enrolled copy" of the bill and the President will immediately sign this, according to Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

A measure to abolish the Road Board has been approved by both chambers of Congress, and the Senate adopted the House version after sensing a possible change in direction after the leadership shuffle, Diokno said.

The Senate adopted the House version of the bill on Sept. 12. Later that day, however, the House, led by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, passed a motion voiding its version of the bill, which was passed during the time of former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon argued that the House has lost jurisdiction over the bill after the Senate adopted the proposed measure.

The Road Board oversees the funds from the Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC), which are supposed to be used exclusively for road maintenance and improvement of road drainage, installation of traffic lights and road safety devices, and air pollution control.

The proposed measure abolishes the Road Board and transfers its powers to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Diokno said he received a directive from President Rodrigo Duterte not to release MVUC funds lodged in the National Treasury as of Nov. 30, amounting to some P45 billion, pending the abolition of the Road Board.