Palace defends PNoy's 'pork'

MANILA, Philippines - Amid suggestions to abolish the "pork barrel" funds of lawmakers, Malacañang shrugged off a proposal to remove President Benigno Aquino III's assistance fund.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing Tuesday that Aquino's Presidential Social Fund or PSF is valuable in extending help to families of wounded or deceased soldiers.

"The PSF is used to give assistance to families of our fallen soldiers, etc. by way of medical assistance," Valte said.

She assured the public that the funds are subject to a "very strict process" and may in no way be used in anomalous means.

"The use of that particular fund is very transparent," Valte added.