MARCH 30, 2013

NR # 3058

PDAF exemption from election ban a welcome respite - solons

Lawmakers today welcomed the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt the priority development assistance fund (PDAF), known as pork barrel, from the ban on the disbursement of public funds during the 45-day election period to ensure continuity of pertinent projects for their constituencies. Comelec issued Resolution 9660 stating that the release, disbursement or expenditures of PDAF and other state funds are not covered by the prohibitions stipulated in Sec. 261 (v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). Rep. Marcelino Teodoro (1st District, Marikina City) agreed with the decision of Comelec and stressed that the continuity of pertinent projects, especially infrastructures such as roads, school buildings and the likes, should not be barred during the election period. The need for such projects is not dependent on whoever wins in the election polls. Important government projects are necessary for the delivery of basic social services to Filipinos, Teodoro said. However, Teodoro said the prohibition on disbursement of funds that could be used for campaign purposes should be upheld to avoid misuse of government money. Rep. Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City) said it would be the people not the incumbents who will be adversely affected if ever the election ban will be expanded to include the projects under the PDAF. We have to look closely at the very nature of PDAF projects. They are mostly people-oriented projects. Their delivery should not be in a way postponed, Castelo said. Castelo underscored that soft projects like feeding programs for malnourished kids, literacy projects for the illiterates, and skills programs for the jobless are just some projects. Free hospitalization and medicines should not be delayed. If not, the consequence will be horrendous and far reaching, Castelo said. However, Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan (Party-list, Gabriela) disclosed that what is actually going to be exempted is the 2012 PDAF because they have none for 2013. She also stressed that this should have been released last year. Since we normally put our funds in specialty and district hospitals, that means a

year of waiting, Ilagan emphasized. Ilagan said whether exempted or not, the more basic question is, will it be released. Comelec noted the exemption is subject to several conditions to prevent the funds from being used in the campaign. Comelec said under the resolution, requests for exemption shall be evaluated by the Law Department in its capacity as Campaign Finance Unit that is also looking into the campaign expenses of all candidates in the May 13 polls. (30) lvc