The Financial Affairs Committee of the Legislative Assembly passed out a 6.4 trillion colon budget for 2013 in a special session last Saturday by a seven to one margin. But the fact that 43% of the cost must be paid by debt promises a stiff floor fight.

The main opposition in committee came from Citizen Action Party (PAC) deputy Jeannette Ruiz. That Ruiz was speaking for PAC was underscored by her party colleague Gustavo Arias.

The Legislative Assembly has, constitutionally, until the end of November to vote on a finished budget. Although in the past, the sometimes contentious issue has lasted into the final hours of November, it has never failed to meet the deadline.

Although the term “constitutional crisis” has been bandied about when the debate has neared the deadline, no one knows exactly what would happen if the congress deadlocked, missing the Nov.30 deadline.

But even though PAC appears to be worried about the debt, one PAC deputy, Agnes Gomez, appeared favorable to the measure. She commented favorably on the social, education and health programs contained in the bill.

Although the budget can be modified, constitutionally it cannot be rejected completely. Presumably, if debate did not result in a budget passed by Nov. 30, the budget would automatically go into effect.

The bill, which represents a budget increase of 7.7% above 2012, was presented by Finance Minister Edgar Ayales on Sept. 1. Although initially PAC was most vocal in opposition, undoubtedly the Libertarian Movement, with its distaste for debt and big government, will have a few negative words to say before the floor vote.