JDF abolition is "about transparency"— Benitez

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines— Representative Albee Benitez (3rd district, Negros Occidental) has insisted that the proposal of several congressmen to abolish the Judiciary Development Fund was all "about transparency."

It was not the intent of Congress to diminish the privileges of the judges and court employees, said Benitez.

"We're not saying that were taking that out, we just want to put a transparent system so that everybody will have a fair understanding on how the funds were disbursed. Being transparent ensures fairness," he said.

The congressman also said it was not the intent of the lawmakers to take revenge on the members of the judiciary when the Supreme Court declared the Disbursement Acceleration Program unconstitutional. "This is not a revenge. I think the proper word here is transparency," said Benitez.

Congress wanted to be fair in terms of the resources of government and how it is allocated to its constituents and the judiciary. "I don't think they know how the formula works," he said.

Benitez said there is a need to properly legislate and appropriate the funds to different branches of the government, adding that there will be even an increase in allowances for court employees. He explained that 20 percent of the JDF will go to the capital outlay, which can be appropriated.

Meanwhile, Benitez was the guest speaker in the induction of officers of the Philippine Association of Court Employees in rites held at the Bacolod Hall of Justice last Friday. (FREEMAN)