'PNoy deserves to be called Pork King'

MANILA, Philippines - Militant group Bayan on Thursday said President Benigno Aquino III deserves the title of "Pork Barrel King" for his continued resistance in abolishing his discretionary fund.

"The title of Pork Barrel King is well-deserved, and the mass protests on Oct. 4 against pork are truly justified," Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said.

"Aquino has resisted calls to abolish pork and has revealed himself as no different from the past regime when it comes to discretionary lump-sum spending," Reyes added.

He also urged the  public to continue demanding better accountability and transparency on the part of the national government regarding  the controversial pork barrel scam, involving several legislators and private individuals.

During his speech on Wednesday, President Aquino defended the multi-billion peso Disbursement Acceleration Program, saying it is legal despite the absence of a law allowing it.

"Aquino should stop portraying himself as the exception to the rule. His pork misuse has been revealed to be violative of the constitution. Tama na ang palusot," Reyes said.