CEBU, Philippines - There is no project in Cebu Province that is funded by the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program.
This was emphasized by Governor Hilario Davide III, as he disclosed that the Department of Health was supposed to build a hospital worth P17 million in Argao town, a project reportedly covered by DAP. This did not materialize.
“There was supposed to be 17 million assistance from the DOH, pero wa ni ma-implement. I believe na-overtake by events,” Davide said.
The Supreme Court has declared some schemes under DAP are unconstitutional, ruling that the executive branch overstepped its powers in using the program’s lump sum funds.
The SC struck down portions of DAP that allowed ‘cross-boarder’ transfer of the savings to augment the appropriations of other offices outside the Executive, withdrawal of unobligated allotments from the implementing agencies and declaring it and unreleased appropriations as “savings”, and the funding of projects, activities, and programs that were not covered by the General Appropriations Act.
The court stated that DAP acts violate Section 25(5), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution and the doctrine of separation of powers of the executive and legislative branches.
In a resolution, the high court also declared void the use of “unprogrammed funds despite the absence of a certification by the National Treasurer that the revenue collections exceeded the revenue targets.”
Provincial Health Office chief Cynthia Genosolango, in a separate interview, said the hospital project was supposed to be built in Barangay Bogo in Argao. She said the lot where the structure was to be built has been acquired but the budget for the building itself was not released.
Meanwhile, while he belongs to the Liberal Party of President Benigno Aquino III, Davide said he did not instruct Capitol employees to wear a yellow ribbon to show support to PNoy.
The President will give his State of the Nation address next Monday, July 28.
Aquino himself asked Filipinos to wear the iconic yellow ribbon as a show of support to his administration. He made the call following criticisms over his defense for DAP, which he said helped spur economic growth.
“We will not impose that. That’s personal. I did not give instruction nga kinahanglan magsuot gyod,” Davide said. (FREEMAN)