DBM probes P245M projects under PDAF

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines   â€” More than P245-million worth of projects implemented in this city and in Negros Occidental province, using the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of several lawmakers from 2010 to 2013, are now being investigated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Of the amount, P184.1 million went to towns and cities under the jurisdiction of the Negros Occidental LGU and P61.6 million to Bacolod City, which is outside the jurisdiction of the provincial government.

DBM-Western Visayas regional director Alfonso Bedonia Jr., in his separate letters to Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella, both dated Nov. 11, copies of which were furnished the media Monday and Tuesday, said the DBM is in the process of monitoring the status of the implementation of various development projects implemented by LGUs.

These projects were funded out of the PDAF and other financial assistance from the national government, from January 1, 2010 and October 31 this year.

Bedonia furnished Marañon and Puentevella statements of fund releases to Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, respectively, and requested the two to submit to the DBM a report on the status of these projects not later than Nov. 30.

In response to the DBM order, Marañon told The Freeman that "every project that had gone through the province is accounted (for).... everything is accounted (for) up to the last cent."

Provincial Administrator Enrique Pinongan said they are preparing the required reports on the physical accomplishment and the amount disbursed on the projects and tasked the Office of the Provincial Accountant to prepare the documentation.

Provincial Accountant Merly Fortu yesterday said they would try their best to beat the Nov. 30 deadline even if they only received the DBM notice on Nov. 26.

Puentevella, for his part, has also asked City Accountant Ed Ravena for a status report on the PDAF releases, and has also created a task force to check on the implementation of projects in the city under this fund.

Ravena said, of the total amount, the P35 million is a special award from the DILG to Bacolod City for being a recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping award.

They have received the rest of the items but there are some that have not yet been implemented, Ravena said, adding that the money from DILG has been broken down into various projects already implemented by the city government. (FREEMAN)