Limkaichong denies links to project controversy

DUMAGUETE CITY,  — Negros Oriental 1st district Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong whose name was dragged as responsible for blocking the implementation of rehabilitation projects for Sendong-damaged infrastructure in the province, publicly denied these insinuations, saying these were untrue and unfair.

She then asked for a copy of the letter from the Department of Budget and Management as well as the list of projects to be funded by the calamity fund.

Limkaichong quoted a portion of the letter stating that the release did not comply with existing guidelines and that “while the release of the fund was effected by a directive from the Office of the President, releases of infrastructure projects amounting to P10 million and higher require the approval of DPWH.” 

       The reason was technical and the congresswoman said she had nothing to do with it, but she clarified the money representing 50 percent of the total amount of P961 million will still go back to the province provided it will be for sustainable development projects, not just for deepening, dredging, rechanneling or rehabilitation of river control projects.

Limkaichong cited Republic Act 101211, creating the National Risk Reduction Management Council, which allocates funds under this office for sustainable development programs to address the needs of the people and not to jeopardize or compromise the future generation.

She explained that even her colleagues in the House of Representatives in the province will be questioning the conduct of dredging activities for lack of transparency and accountability.

Limkaichong made it clear the P480 million can already make a difference if used in the rehabilitation of damaged homes, for solid waste control measures, or build more school buildings and other school facilities, among others.

“I did not blocked the projects but merely asked the programs identified if they are sustainable and if it has gone through the right process.” she said.