Abolition of Comelec ‘pork’ pressed
MANILA, Philippines - A former official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday pushed for the abolition of the poll body’s intelligence funds, saying it is a form of pork barrel.
Former commissioner Gus Lagman said the Comelec is not a law enforcement agency that requires intelligence funds.
Lagman said even Senate President Franklin Drilon believes that the poll body is not entitled to intelligence funds.
Agencies like the Presidential Commission on Good Government, Office of the Solicitor General, Public Attorney’s Office, National Security Council, National Telecommunications Commission, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Comelec and offices under the judiciary should not be granted intelligence funds, Drilon said.
According to Lagman, the intelligence funds of Comelec officials are equivalent to the pork barrel since these come from the Office of the President.
Lagman had earlier disclosed that Comelec officials were receiving intelligence funds without need for liquidation.
He admitted he was given a total of P1.25 million during his 10-month stay at the poll body.
“It’s really like the pork barrel. Before, when I was a commissioner, I was given P1.25 million just by signing a simple paper,†he added.
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