Magpale leaves decision to Davide on disbursement of Garcia’s PDAF

CEBU, Philippines - With only a little time left until the new administration takes over, Acting Governor Agnes Magpale said that it would be for Governor-elect Hilario “Junjun” Davide, III to disburse the remaining Priority Development Assistance Fund of outgoing 2nd District Representative Pablo Garcia.

During the exit conference with the Commission on Audit (COA), Magpale again explained why they needed to hold the release of the P70 million of Garcia’s PDAF.

The concern was included in the audit observation of COA for the year 2012. State auditors stated that “a total amount of P70 million of the PDAF received by the Province of Cebu from CY 2009 to 2012 remained unutilized as of November 30, 2012.”

Garcia earlier complained that Magpale has withheld his PDAF consequently affecting the allocation for projects in his district.

But Magpale said she will disburse the money, which was deposited in the trust fund of the Provincial Capitol if it is in accordance with the Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO).

Magpale raised concerns on the PDAF because of alleged uneven distribution among the towns in the second district. She particularly questioned the P53 million allocated for the town of Dumanjug whose mayor, Nelson Garcia, is the congressman’s son.

This week, Magpale informed some mayors of the 2nd district that she would disburse the funds as long as it is indicated in SARO.

“We are willing to release this if naa sila request na mutugma sa menu as stated in the SARO.”

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos, Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon and Santander Vice Mayor Marilyn Wenceslao, all with Magpale and Davide in the Liberal Party (LP), went to Magpale’s office.

But Magpale said that she only has minimal time left before the new administration starts. “Pero I don’t have enough time man gud. Kung mahimo ni, adto nalang ni sa next governor.”

With this, Magpale said it would be for Davide to decide on the PDAF disbursement.

Further, the release of the PDAF would be in line with COA’s recommendation that “the local government unit disburse the PDAF promptly in accordance with the projects identified by legislators of funds in order to accomplish the purpose.”

As stated by COA, “we also recommend that the local government unit determine if there is a necessity for the realignment of some PDAF following the special provisions of the PDAF in the General Appropriations Act and National Circular of the year they pertain in as much as some of these funds were received in 2011 yet.” (FREEMAN)