Abad faces malversation complaint

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad is facing malversation cases for the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

Former Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco filed the complaint at the Office of Ombudsman on Wednesday, citing the Supreme Court's earlier decision that DAP is unconstitutional.

According to a report from radio dzMM, Syjuco said that as an "alter-ego" of President Benigno Aquino III, Abad is responsible for the country's funds.

"By reason of his position, he was tasked to regularly handle government monetary budge, which are indubitably public funds and with an obligation to spend the same as provided under the law," Syjuco said, pertaining to Abad, in his affidavit.

Syjuco noted that according to DBM documents, around P144.4 billion were allocated for DAP in 2013.

The former Iloilo solon also included DBM's memo to Aquino regarding the realignment of the government's savings. According to Syjuco, the President has marginal notes that disapprove the release of funds in some projects which Abad still released.

RELATED: SC defers ruling anew on government’s DAP petition