House gives up P13.5-B PDAF for 2013

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives decided to give up its remaining P13.5-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for this year, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said yesterday.

“We are authorizing President Aquino to realign it to the calamity fund, which he could use for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the typhoon-devastated communities,” he told a news conference.

Belmonte said the 2013 PDAF holds a balance of about P12 billion for House members.

Additionally, he said the PDAF for 2011 had an unused balance of about P1.5 billion.

He said he and other leaders of his chamber, in consultation with the heads of several political groups allied with the Liberal Party-led majority coalition in the House, arrived at the decision to give up the PDAF in their desire to help typhoon victims.

He added that the House would formalize its decision by passing a resolution when Congress reconvenes on Monday.

Belmonte filed Joint Resolution 7 yesterday. His co-authors include six deputy speakers, Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora, and Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona who is accounts committee chairman. – With Jose Rodel Clapano, Delon Porcalla, Christina Mendez, Marvin Sy