PDAF scholars, indigents told: There's life after 'pork'

MANILA, Philippines - Senate Majority Leader Alan Cayetano wants the national government to support the beneficiaries of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), which has been declared as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Cayetano expressed concern over the negative effects of the ruling against the pork barrel system such as the termination of assistance to scholars and indigent patients.

In a letter to Budget Secretary Butch Abad, Cayetano asked the national government to set aside funds for these beneficiaries, who are supported by the controversial funds of lawmakers.

"There is life after pork for scholars and indigent patients. I believe there is more than enough funds and more than enough ways to give them what they need without giving politicians credit for it," said Cayetano, who also expressed support to the SC decision.

The senator cited a survey of 95 members in the House of Representatives which found out that a total of 412,078 scholarships will be affected now that the PDAF has been abolished.

He said another survey among 74 House members showed that a total of 809,372 indigent patients are getting aid from the pork barrel system.

Meanwhile, Senator Ralph Recto said at least 150,000 college students are in danger of losing their scholarship due to the high court's decision to strike down the PDAF.

He said Malacañang should direct state universities and colleges (SUCs) to continue accepting PDAF-supported students.

A funding mechanism for college scholarships which will be compliant with the Supreme Court decision should be created next.

"For the 2014 requirements, what Congress can do is augment the individual budget of the 114 SUCs, to include an expanded scholarship program that will not only address the tuition of PDAF-supported students but new entrants as well," he said.

Malacañang said it will leave it to Congress to discuss and create a system that will continue helping PDAF scholars and patients.

"Hahayaan na po nating magpasya ang mga mambabatas hinggil doon sa mga pagkukuhanan ng pondo at pagkakagastusan nito," Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Sonny Coloma said in a press briefing on Thursday.

"Pahintulutan na po natin silang talakayin ang isyung 'yan at sabihin po nila kung ano ang panukala nila na paraan ng pagtugon sa mga specific need ng mga scholars," Coloma added.