MANILA, Philippines - Makati City Rep. Abigail Binay on Wednesday said Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and his cohorts should have checked their facts first before accusing her of any irregularity in connection with the use of her priority development assistance fund (PDAF).
In a statement, Binay, daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, said that even before the Supreme Court ruled that PDAF was unconstitutional, she already put it in a trust fund for her constituents in the 2nd district of the city.
"Senator Trillanes, kung inaral mo lang mabuti bago ka mag-akusa, malalaman mo na bago idineklara nang Korte Suprema na unconstitutional ang PDAF, ako bilang mambabatas ay naglagak nang pondo sa local government unit ng Makati para sa medical assistance and funeral assistance nang aking mga constituents sa 2nd district.
"Ang pondo pong ito ay nakalagay sa isang trust fund sa Makati City. Bilang trust fund, hindi po ito pwedeng galawin basta-basta. May specific po itong pagagamitan," she said.
She said the funds had been well-accounted for as there had been checks issued from the trust fund going the implementing arm, Makati Social Welfare Department, then headed by Ryan Barcelo.
"Para ulit sa kaalaman ni Senator Trillanes, kaya po kay Mr. Barcelo naka issue ang check ay dahil siya po ang bonded officer na taga-disburse," she said.
She also noted that before the funds were released, numerous documents must be submitted.
"Senator Trillanes, bilang kapwa mambabatas, ang payo ko po ay dapat po ay pinag- aaralan natin ang ating mga sinasabi. Huwag ka mag akusa nang walang ebidensya," she said.