After SC decision, Senate wants unused 'pork' to boost 'Yolanda' relief

MANILA, Philippines - Following the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) declaring the pork barrel system unconstitutional, the Senate now wants the untapped 2013 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to be used in the relief efforts in areas affected by recent calamities such as Super Typhoon "Yolanda."

In a statement, Senate President Franklin Drilon said they are now eyeing the passage of a supplemental budget for 2013 worth P14.5 billion, which represents the unutilized pork barrel funds for this year.

He said the executive department may use this budget to boost its relief and rehabilitation operations for areas affected by the calamities this year, particularly typhoons Yolanda, Santi, Labuyo, Zamboanga City and the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Visayas.

Drilon said they will urge President Benigno Aquino III to certify the supplemental budget as urgent.

“We urge the President to certify the supplemental budget as urgent, as the funds can be promptly used by the necessary agencies for the relief and rehabilitation of areas struck by these recent disasters, particularly the typhoons Yolanda, Santi, Labuyo, the siege of Zamboanga City and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the Visayas,” Drilon said.

The Senate President also noted that the SC decision is moot and academic as far as the upper chamber is concerned since senators have  waived their use of the remaining PDAF for 2013.

At least 15 senators have also decided to fully delete the PDAF in the 2014 budget, he said.

Nevertheless, Drilon said the upper chamber welcomes the decision of the high court, saying it reinforces the government's efforts to reform the country's political system.

“We will abide by its decision. I believe its decision reinforces the government’s efforts to reform the country’s political system and likewise affirms the Senate’s position that PDAF must be abolished,” Drilon said.

He added: "Everybody is stepping in the right direction, as the abolition of PDAF system should be the start of more reforms aimed at curbing corruption and misuse of taxpayers' money."

Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., for his part, said that the SC's decision was not a surprise.

“That it was unanimous was unexpected, but having listened to the arguments made before the SC, the result was not unexpected. Personally, I have always thought the PDAF was unconstitutional,” Marcos said.