P500M ‘misused’ on gov’t call centers

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed that more than P568 million has been used to fund at least eight non-working call centers for the “Patrol 117” hotline last year.

In a statement, Lacson cited in a 2008 Commission on Audit report that only eight out of the 16 regional “Patrol 117” call centers were functional. The cost to fund these was pegged at P1.26 billion.

The “Patrol 117” hotline is primarily operated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a public emergency response number, similar to the United States’ “911” number.

“As per the COA report, the money mentioned was spent on these call centers. If they are not functioning how come they spent that amount for the call centers?,” the senator said in a statement.

“Eight regional call centers did not function, yet more than P500 million as reported to COA was spent for the purpose. Saan ginastos pag di nag-function ang call centers (Where did the money for the non-working call centers go)?” Lacson added.

Lacson is ordering the DILG to explain the “seemingly inappropriate” use of government funds for the non-operational call centers.

Meanwhile, Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan noted that some of the Patrol 117 call centers were destroyed by typhoons or other disasters, including fire, and these non-working call centers are looking for new sites.

Some of the working call centers are in Cagayan, Bataan, Palawan, Iloilo, Zamboanga City, Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, Caraga, Benguet and Quezon City. –Alexander Villafania, INQUIRER.net