Kiko rejects request for financial aid

CEBU, Philippines - SEN. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan could not extend financial assistance for the construction of the second condoville project at the Lorega Cemetery in Barangay Lorega.

Pangilinan’s Political Affairs Officer Jojo Digao, wrote to the Cebu City Council turning down its request for financial assistance.

“After reviewing your request, however, we regret to inform you that at this time, Senator Pangilinan has already allocated most of his PDAF to certain advocacy projects,” Digao said.

Last year, the council, in a resolution, requested P15 million from Pangilinan’s PDAF to fund the second medium-rise building to be built at the old Lorega Cemetery.

The second condoville would benefit more than 500 families illegally occupying the cemetery.

The first condoville is a three-storey building funded through the P10 million PDAF of former Rep. Raul del Mar and the P3 million donation from a non-government organization.

Pangilinan’s office however promised to extend assistance if resources will be available.

“If and when our resources permit, we will be more than happy to accommodate your request at the soonest possible time,” Digao’s letter also stated.

In the meantime, the council will seek help from other senators who also share with the city’s advocacy of providing affordable housing to the homeless urban poor settlers like Sen. Serge Osmeña III, brother of Representative Tomas Osmeña.

Sen. Osmeña has been very supportive of the Cebuanos and has earlier allocated P2 million of its PDAF to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for health and hospital needs of the Cebu City constituents. — (FREEMAN)