CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma still hopes the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of government officials would be abolished despite President Benigno Aquino III’s assurance in his televised speech last Wednesday evening that they would go after those who stole from the coffers of the people.
“There should be a more transparent way,†said Palma yesterday to members of the media on his view on the speech of Aquino.
Palma has been very vocal on his stand against the PDAF and in fact, has been encouraging the public to join activities, like the recent march against “pork,†which calls for the abolition of the PDAF and the DAP.
Palma said that their call for the abolition of the PDAF and the DAP has been met with criticisms since its supposed aim — to address the concerns of the public like on poverty, education and food security — would not be aided anymore.
“Many will say that he has the duty to help the poor,†said Palma, but stressed that with the clamor of many on the alleged abuse of the PDAF and DAP by certain government and private personalities, he said perhaps a better way to respond to the needs of the people could be made.
Palma added that along with the mention of PDAF and DAP are the “scandals†revealed which should be a stronger reason for its abolition.
“Unta dunay lain pamaagi mas maayo pag-response sa poverty, sickness, education tungod ang DAP nagdala og dakong skandalo,†said Palma who stressed that this will be their stand from the Catholic Bishop’s of the Philippines Conference wherein he is the president. —(FREEMAN)