Noy may be held liable for DAP after his term - Pimentel

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino may be held accountable for the misuse of the multi-billion Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) funds, but only after he finishes his six-year term in 2016.

Former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., also a veteran lawyer, pointed out that the Supreme Court's decision meant that the government cannot continue using DAP since it was found unconstitutional.

“…but in terms of accountability, masingil si Noynoy dyan after his term is over because you cannot sue a president  while he’s sitting is for the reason that, that rationale is so that he will not be prevented from to discharge his duties by being diverted by so many cases,” Pimentel said.

According to Pimentel, former Budget Sec. Florencio Abad will have to face the consequences of the actions related to the implementation of the DAP and that he should be able to explain every centavo where the DAP funds went to prove good faith in the program.

“The first accountability will have to be by the executive department, meaning to say by Butch Abad because they have to show na itong perang ito pumunta roon,” he said.

“Kung hindi maganda ang paggamit doon sa recipient that is another story because  their responsibility now is on the recipient sapagkat pagdating dun may accounting na rin naman doon eh bakit naman hindi mahuhuli yun,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said the public should also look whether the DAP funds were used properly, in the same way with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

“You have to consider also ang mga taong natulungan. Hindi naman assessment mo na nasira siya sa publiko, paaano yung mga taong natulungan mo na marami na sumusuporta sa kanya,” said Pimentel, adding that its so easy to pin blame but proving wrongdoing is another.

The former senator said Pimentel said it is important that President Aquino and his allies are also able to properly explain to the people how the funds were used by the administration.