Capitol starts review of Pabling’s PDAF allocation

CEBU, Philippines - The release of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Rep. Pablo “Pabling” Garcia (Cebu, 2nd district) may take more time after initial review showed that funds allocated for particular items have gone beyond what is specified in the Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO).

Yesterday, acting governor Agnes Magpale said that after they reviewed the SARO, they found out that the allocation for infrastructure is more than the specified budget.

Magpale said they need to further trace the expenses but stressed that the delay is not politically-motivated.

“No doubt about it, i-release na namo, the money is there. We are not holding it because namolitika mi. Ang ako lang gyud careful lang gyud ko kay remember what DBM (Department of Budget and Management ) said, ako ang accountable ana the moment ma-release na,” said Magpale.

She also assured that they will also release the PDAF of Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district).

Pablo John earlier said that just like his father’s pork barrel, Magpale is also withholding the release of his remaining PDAF of around P5 million deposited in the Capitol’s trust fund.

Magpale said if she had a choice, she would  release the PDAF of both legislators so she will not be held responsible for it anymore.

The acting governor said that she has already ordered the review of Pablo John’s SARO and will release  the funds once it is cleared.

But Magpale said based on the initial report relayed to her, most of Pablo John’s PDAF is allocated to pay for food.

“Wa ko kibaw kinsa gipakaon ana,” Magpale said.

As earlier reported, Magpale said that Pabling’s PDAF is more complicated considering that it includes allocation since 2009 up to the present. —/MBG (FREEMAN)