Davao solon seeks probe of SPDA funds

DAVAO CITY — Davao City First District Rep. Prospero Nograles called yesterday for an investigation on the alleged anomalous disbursement of funds of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA), which has become the "milking cow" of certain interested quarters.

"We would like to seriously look at reports that a big portion of the SPDA funds was used for the purchase of firearms that loyalists of Moro leader (Nur) Misuari used during the siege in Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga City last year," Nograles said.

The allegations are very serious for Congress to ignore, said Nograles after filing House Resolution No. 380 that called for an inquiry into the matter.

SPDA Executive Director Zamzamin Ampatuan lamented last November that funds intended for livelihood projects in the different areas in Mindanao were diverted by his predecessor, lawyer Randolph Parcasio, and were used by Misuari’s men for the procurement of firearms.

Parcasio was one of the Misuari’s legal counsel and closest aides, before he was appointed SPDA executive director early last year.

Nograles said the inquiry would look not only into who are the supposed beneficiaries and if indeed the funds reached them, but also on the effectiveness of the SPDA as an agent of development in this part of the country. — Edith Regalado