MANILA -- Albay Representative Edcel Lagman hit the statement of LP that they are willing to reduce the priority development assistance fund (PDAF) or pork barrel appropriated to them.

"The proposal of Liberal Party leaders in the House of Representatives to drastically slash Congressional allocations is flawed, cosmetic, counterproductive, anti-poor and will reduce countrywide development," Lagman said in a statement.

Although Lagman does not seek an increase in the PDAF, he believes LP's proposal would not work since the savings to be generated from the pork barrel reduction would also mean lessening the local services and beneficiaries for scholarship programs, medical assistance, livelihood support programs and needed financial assistance to local government units.

He added that while the PDAF is suspected to be prone to corruption, not one lawmaker has been convicted.

“The solution is a strict monitoring of PDAF projects, and errant legislators must perforce be prosecuted and convicted, if warranted. The problem must be addressed but the lifeline for development and poverty alleviation must not be sacrificed," Lagman said. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)