Noy careful in spending public funds

MANILA, Philippines - He has always been meticulous about spending public funds, President Aquino assured the public.

“When it comes to the people’s money, I am very, very particular as to why it has to be spent. How much is being spent, and what is the return on the investment,” Aquino said.

The President, a former congressman and senator, had been known to be among those who scrutinized the budget proposals of past administrations.

He was under fire for the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), but said it was meant to speed up the delivery of services to the people.

“I think the greatest sin is to delay that service to our people… I have said it publicly so many times: Why delay the common good if you can do it now? This was said in relation to DAP,” Aquino said, adding the allocation was important for people living in danger areas.

“How many rainy seasons do they have to undergo if we already have money that can be used to put them in safer areas? That was the context,” the President said.

Personal money

At the annual Bulong Pulungan media forum in Pasay City, Aquino said he was as meticulous with his personal money. He said he has always been a purposeful shopper and prefers to buy items on sale.

“(In) our first trip abroad to Indonesia, we went on a budget commercial flight. And we were joking that the seats were adjusted already… they were very rigid... they seemed to be for first year cadets of the PMA (Philippine Military Academy),” Aquino said.

He said he told the members of his delegation that they have to make do because the government does not have the money. 

The President said he did not like buying things at regular prices and was upset that sales people did not inform him of the promotions. He cited a chair that he could have bought at a lower price had he bought it a week later.

“Bakit kaya kapag pera ng bayan talagang napakagaling mong bantayan, kapag ‘yung pera ko parang medyo parati akong napapagsamantalahan (Why is it that you keep an eagle eye on government money, but when it comes to my own money I seem to always be taken advantage of),” he said.

“By next year I have a lot more time to be a better shopper,” he added.