Palace refutes poll fund claims

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang denied yesterday allegations of opposition lawmakers that the proposed P1.541-trillion 2010 national budget is loaded with election funds for next year’s polls.

Presidential economic spokesperson Gary Olivar challenged Nueva Ecija Rep. Edno Joson to prove his accusation that senators and congressmen have hammered out the proposed budget into an election spending program.

"One, it's not that any insertions of that nature are confined purely to lawmakers under the administration. If there's anything like that, it will cut across parties," Olivar told a news briefing.

"And two, I see no evidence of this alleged (election) funds for the administration's plans for the elections next year," he said.

He added that "accusations are cheap, especially during political season."

Joson said the proposed national expenditure program, which is expected to be signed by Mrs. Arroyo anytime soon, is full of provisions that are geared towards election spending.

"The bicameral conference committee has clearly loaded the budget with election funds," Joson said.

He said the bulk of the P64 billion that the bicameral conference committee cut from debt service funds has apparently been diverted to the congressional pork barrel.

The budget was ratified last week by lawmakers.