Binay open to abolition of his office's P200M social fund

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay wants to abolish the P200-million social services fund of his office if it is considered as pork barrel.

But before the abolition, Binay said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) must first clarify if the said amount is considered as a Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

"The DBM should say if the amount is considered PDAF. If it is PDAF, then abolish it in keeping with the President's directive," the Vice President said in a statement Tuesday.

Binay said the social services budget of his office has been audited by the Commission on Audit (COA).

"Our disbursement for social services have not only been audited by COA but also praised by the agency. The disbursements have passed the agency's scrutiny," he said.

Following President Benigno Aquino III's announcement that it is time to abolish the pork barrel of lawmakers, Binay also urged Filipinos to be more vigilant against government corruption.

"Let us all unite to ensure that the decision of the President is implemented with greater transparency, accountability and impartiality," Binay said in a separate statement.

He added that the disbursements by the executive departments must be based on the real needs of the people in the localities and not on political considerations.

The Vice President also wants a full accounting of PDAF disbursements both during the previous and present administration "to assure our people that the sins we assigned to the previous regime are no longer with us."