CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Audit has asked the Province of Cebu to spend the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) amounting to P107 million received from different lawmakers since 2009 to 2012.
COA in its audit report found that the said amount remained unutilized as of December 31, 2012.
The pork barrel funds were from former senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr. has given P9 million; Francis Pangilinan, P1 million; Manuel Villar, P100,000; Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, P3 million; Franklin Drilon, P2 million; Loren Legarda, P1 million; and Pia Cayetano, P2 million.
Cebu Representatives Benhur Salimbangon also gave P6 million; Gabriel Luis Quisumbing, P2.2 million; former congressmen Pablo Garcia, P72.8 million; Pablo John Garcia, P7 million; Akbayan Party-list, P1 million; and DIWA Party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay, P100,000.
“We are concerned that the constituents of the Province of Cebu may have been deprived of the benefits that would have ensued from the full utilization of the PDAF of proponent legislators,†the COA said.
It also recommended that the local government unit determine if it is necessary to realign some PDAF following the special provisions in the General Appropriations Act and National Budget Circular of the year they pertain inasmuch as some of these funds were received in 2009 yet.
“The more schools repaired/rehabilitated, the more pupils would have profited from it. In addition, more indigent patients could have availed of the funds for medical assistance especially that the cost of medical treatment or hospitalization has been unaffordable even for most middle class Filipinos,†the COA report said.
COA said that the PDAF is an essential instrument for providing prompt and fitting responses to various needs in the countryside. These projects directly touch the lives of the proponents’ constituents, and make the government a meaningful presence in their daily lives.
In reply to the audit observation memorandum (AOM), then acting governor and now Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said that the funds will be disbursed according to the purpose for which these were released in due time, taking into account the May election ban and if circumstances warrant.
On the possibility of realignment, Magpale said that the matter will be carefully considered, consistent with existing Department of Budget and Management circulars and guidelines relative to PDAF utilization and realignment. — /QSB (FREEMAN)