Cebu gets pork barrel share from 11 party-list solons

CEBU, Philippines - Only 11 of the 56 party-list representatives in the country have shared their Priority Development Assistance Fund for the implementation of various infrastructure and health services projects in Cebu since January this year.

The data released by the Department of Budget and Management shows that a total of P22,350,000 has been released for various projects in Cebu from January to August 13, 2012.

Bayan Muna Party-list Representatives Teodoro Casiño and Neri Colmenares gave a combined amount of P7.4 million from the pork barrel.

Casiño gave P800,000 financial aid for the water system construction and construction of various multi-purpose buildings amounting to P4.6 million. The said amount was channeled at the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cebu City District Engineering Office for implementation.

Colmenares also gave a total of P2 million for the repair/rehabilitation/renovation of barangay halls worth P1million and another P1million for construction of a day care center. The funds went to DPWH-CCDEO for implementation.

DBM Secretary Butch Abad in an interview with The FREEMAN said that each member of Congress has the discretion where to spend their pork barrel. Each representative is entitled to a P70 million PDAF every year.

A Teacher Rep. Mariano Piamonte, Jr. gave a total of P3.2 million for the construction of a two-classroom building and rehabilitation of a day care center. The fund was also coursed through the DPWH-Cebu Second District Engineering Office and DPWH-CCDEO, respectively for implementation.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio gave P3 million for the repair and rehabilitation of a multi-purpose building. Ang Kasangga Rep. Teodorico Haresco also allocated P1.8 million for the construction of multi-purpose building and road concreting project.

Coop-NATTCO Rep. Cresente Paez gave a total of P1,750,000.00 for the construction of three multi-purpose buildings and for the rehabilitation/improvement of water works.

LPGMA Rep. Arnel Ty gave P1.2 million financial assistance to Mandaue City’s insurance premium subsidy of the 1,000 indigent families.

Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano and Akbayan Rep. Kaka Bag-ao gave P1 million each for the construction of multi-purpose buildings.

Kakusa Rep. Ranulfo Canonigo gave P500,000 for repair/rehabilitation of a barangay road. While Diwa Rep. Emmeline Aglipay gave P100,000 as financial assistance to various hospitals in the region for indigent patients.       - THE FREEMAN