EDITORIAL - Voice of the people

The people are mad as hell, and the anger was expressed yesterday in Manila’s Rizal Park. Faced with the brazen misuse of public funds, people want the pork barrel abolished – not just the one for Congress but also for the Office of the President.

As the “Million People March” unfolded, Malacañang remained firm: President Aquino would keep his “pork” or discretionary funds, and would continue the reforms he announced last Friday to bring transparency and accountability to the system.

Under the Constitution, all appropriation bills must emanate exclusively from the House of Representatives. As part of the system of democratic checks and balances, the legislature is mandated to scrutinize and approve the annual general appropriation prepared by the executive. Unless the constitutional provision is amended, lawmakers will always have a say in the budget process.

Within this framework, however, measures can be implemented to open each step to public scrutiny, with detailed information posted on government websites. Lump sum appropriations will be replaced by line item budgeting, and all projects earmarked by lawmakers must undergo public bidding.

The scandal that led to yesterday’s indignation rally should also lead to an overhaul of the regulatory framework for non-government organizations and foundations. Under the reforms announced last week, NGOs will no longer be allowed to receive funding through congressional earmarks, but they can still engage in fund-raising activities. Any organization that handles public money needs tight regulation.

Critics have pointed out that President Aquino has focused on pork barrel misuse during the previous administration while downplaying the possibility of anomalies under his watch. The accusations of a selective probe cannot be brushed aside. The Commission on Audit, an independent constitutional body, should step in and expand its special audit of pork barrel utilization to include the Aquino administration.

One of the best deterrents to corruption is punishment. The administration can start by doing a better job of finding Janet Lim-Napoles, the fugitive businesswoman in the eye of the pork barrel storm. The speedy indictment of lawmakers linked to the scandal, including the President’s political allies, will also show a serious resolve to put an end to thievery and protect the people’s money. After hearing the voice of the people yesterday, Congress and Malacañang cannot afford to return to business as usual.