MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has vetoed the Magna Carta for the Poor, which aims to ensure equal access to basic rights and government services for Filipinos below the poverty line.
A highly placed source told The STAR Aquino found objectionable certain rights that the poor could demand from the government, as provided under the proposed law.
“He didn’t want the government to be sued in case it fails to improve their lot in life,†the source said.
The source said Aquino had problems with the source of funding, and wanted more clear-cut specifications before approving such law, the source added.
A official carrying a Cabinet rank, who refused to be quoted, confirmed the report.
A senator rushed the bill and 95 percent of it did not have any specifics, the official added.
The source said apparently Sen. Francis Pangilinan wanted the bill signed immediately.
He has no idea whether Pangilinan wanted it to be part of his achievements when he steps down in June this year, the source added.
“In December 2012 Pangilinan said once the bill is passed into law, the state would ensure the protection of five basic rights of every Filipino: right to food, employment, quality education, shelter and basic health services and medicine.
“This measure seeks to ensure that pro-poor policies and programs will continue to be in place even after this administration’s term is over,†he said.
“More importantly, that resources will continue to be allocated for anti-poverty alleviation programs.â€
The STAR source could not give any categorical answer on why such vague and generic provisions have not been ironed out in the bicameral conference committee.
“The reason is, number one, the President didn’t want to be pressured,†the source said.
“And secondly, the provisions on housing, for instance, should be dependent on how the government could afford to provide mass housing.