Estrada vows ‘pork’ for all solons

President Estrada assured congressmen yesterday that regardless of party affiliation, they will receive the balance of their pork barrel before year’s end.

The Chief Executive rejected the claim of opposition congressmen that Malacañang is blocking the release of their pork barrel in retaliation for their filing of the impeachment complaint before the Senate impeachment tribunal.

"There is no truth to this because there are (special allotment release orders) before (notice of cash allocations) are released," the President said. "Some of them have not submitted their project listing which is required of them. But all of them (congressmen), whether from Lakas, Laban or NPC, we all give to them."

Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno told The STAR yesterday only a few congressmen have not yet received their pork barrel funds for the year.

Diokno said he has been meeting with congressmen like Quezon City Rep. Mike Defensor (LP) to explain that their pork barrels’ release could be speeded up after they have submitted the necessary requirements.

Diokno said once the requirements are met, the funds will be released to the congressmen through treasury warrants to be issued by National Treasurer Leonor Briones. – Marichu Villanueva