‘Probe P9-B calamity fund use’

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri is seeking an investigation into the use of the P9-billion calamity fund, including the Calamity Assistance and Rehabilitation Effort (CARE) allocation for the victims of typhoons “Milenyo,” “Reming” and “Seniang,” particularly in the Bicol region.

Under Resolution No. 346, Zubiri said that almost a year after the release of the calamity fund, the Bicol region has not yet totally recovered from the devastation caused by Reming and different towns were still suffering from continuous flooding.

“There have been allegations of anomalies in the release and use of funds, including the allocated fund for the repair of school buildings and dredging projects,” Zubiri said.

“The concerned government agencies must submit a report to Congress on the use of the allocated calamity fund,” he added.

Republic Act No. 9401 or the General Appropriations Act of 2007 allocated the P9-billion calamity fund for the relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and other works or services in connection with natural calamities, epidemics as declared by the Department of Health, and crises resulting from armed conflicts and unlawful acts of insurgents, terrorists and other criminals, which might occur during the budget year or those that occurred in prior years.

The fund is also intended for pre-disaster activities such as preparation of relocation sites or facilities and training of personnel directly engaged in disaster management.

The funds are released directly to the appropriate implementing agencies and/or concerned local government units in accordance with the recommendation of the National Disaster Coordinating Council and approval of the President.

Zubiri, who is part of the Philippine National Red Cross, said they went to Libon, Albay last March 18 to distribute relief goods and saw the need for more help for the townsfolk, many of whom had been displaced by massive flooding.