Ex-La Union lawmaker probed for ‘pork’ scam

TUBAO, La Union, Philippines – Former La Union congressman Thomas Dumpit Jr. is being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly releasing P43.65 million in  Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to an alleged fake non-government organization (NGO).

Documents presented by a fact-finding committee to local officials here showed Dumpit allegedly released the amount to the Kabuhayan at Kalusugan Alay sa Masa Foundation, Inc. (KKAMFI), an NGO described by the Commission on Audit (COA) as “dubious.”

Based on an audit report, Dumpit allegedly provided livelihood kits to residents here containing manicure and pedicure supplies and agricultural equipment, which were coursed through KKAMFI.

Dumpit, in an interview with Bombo Radyo-La Union, denied the allegations, saying he has no connections with the fake NGO.

He said he gave funds to Tubao for the town’s civic center and for infrastructure and irrigation projects.

Residents, former barangay chairmen and Vice Mayor Dante Garcia, who was the town mayor during the term of Dumpit from 2007 to 2010, denied receiving such livelihood projects and equipment from KKAMFI.

“No livelihood kits, no agricultural assistance from that NGO,” the residents and former village officials said in an affidavit they sworn in before the Ombudsman’s investigators here Wednesday. 

Dumpit allegedly submitted the names, ID pictures and signatures of the recipients of livelihood and agricultural assistance.

But it was found out during the investigation that some of the names were non-existent and non-residents of Tubao. Some signatures were allegedly forged.

Dumpit, then allied with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, served only one term and was defeated in the 2010 congressional race by now Rep. Eufranio Eriguel.