Senators quizzed on fund use

A nationwide alliance of 61 pro-poor and civic organizations asked the Senate to first prove that funds they have are spent legally before they continue investigations into alleged fund irregularities.

The Balikatan People’s Alliance said it would be grossly unfair not only for those the senators probe but for the people as a whole if the Senate is practically immune from audit but can question the use of public funds anytime and in any way it likes.

Balikatan chairman Louie Balbago said the people have no assurance that their taxes are well spent if senators only need to certify the purported use of funds without presenting anything to the people.

“How sure are we that there are no anomalies in the disbursement or use of Senate funds? Other than the senators’ word or certification, what proof do we have that there is nothing illegal on how and where they spend our money?” Balbago said in a statement.

Balbago said the Senate’s money is hard-earned taxes by the people.

“We deserve to know if we are not just subsidizing their grandstanding or whims and vested political interests,” he said.