EDITORIAL - Casualties of a scandal

Among the casualties of the continuing scandal over the misuse of pork barrel funds are non-government organizations. Dubious or non-existent NGOs were allegedly used by certain lawmakers and businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles to funnel billions of pesos in public funds to private bank accounts.

The scandal put the spotlight on the weak regulation of NGOs, a number of which are entrusted with large amounts of tax money and even foreign aid. Some lawmakers allegedly set up their own NGOs for the pork barrel scam. Scandals involving NGOs and fund-raising foundations in fact emerged as far back as the presidency of Joseph Estrada, and even during President Aquino’s ascent to power, when some of his allies were linked to questionable NGO fund schemes.

Not surprisingly, the scandals have adversely affected the operations of legitimate NGOs, whose services have contributed to poverty alleviation and other worthy causes such as environmental protection, education, children’s welfare and animal rights.

While the nation must pursue justice and hold plunderers accountable for their crime, authorities must see to it that legitimate NGOs can continue with their work. The Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. has expressed concern about the impact of the pork barrel scandal on the operations of its member organizations. 

Regulators must remember that tighter regulation may not necessarily mean efficient regulation. The tighter rules may apply when an NGO is allowed to receive public funds or official development assistance. Any group that handles people’s money must be subjected to laws governing the utilization of public funds, including those on auditing, procurement and disclosure. The public image of NGOs has taken a beating. If they want to recover, they should be ready to face improved regulation and show that their operations are aboveboard.