Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Arroyo urges release of 'pork barrel'
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to hasten the release of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or "pork barrel" of lawmakers that is intended for social welfare, livelihood and public works programs of the government.
Arroyo, issuing Administrative Order (AO) 236 or the "Revving Up the Government Machinery for Massive Welfare, Livelihood and Public Works Program" on August 6, said: "pork barrel should be harnessed in boosting growth, jobs, and welfare."
The President issued the statement as she acknowledged, through the AO, that the government had not frontloaded all of the "budget outlays in the first semester."
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr., however, was not available to elaborate on the matter.
Andaya, in previous interviews, however, said there are agencies that are "slow" in their spending of budget allocations for social welfare programs.
Under the AO, Arroyo ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) to "push agencies" in implementation of these social welfare programs.
She said agencies, tasked to oversee social welfare, livelihood and public works programs, should also spend "by at least 40 percent" more or over the funds allocated to them in the first semester.
PMS director general Cerge Remonde said they would be more aggressive in monitoring the project implementation and ensure that projects will be completed on time.
"Delayed projects must have catch-up plans. We will hold heads of implementing agencies accountable for failure. All these to ensure the fulfillment of the vision of the President to have a Philippines that is on the threshold of being a developed country when she steps down after her term ends in 2010," he said. (JMR/Sunnex)
