Pork barrel fiesta

It has been known for decades here and in the US that pork barrel funds are a major source of corruption. The going “kickback” or “tongpats” on public works projects is 30 percent. It could go up to 80 percent for ghost projects. The accepted practice is for the pork barrel sponsor to designate the contractor in a rigged bidding procedure.

When President Aquino was elected in 2010, hopes were high that he would abolish or at least start to reduce the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), Road Users Tax fund and other congressional insertions.

It did not happen. In the 2011 budget to be signed on Dec. 27, pork barrel allocations of the top officials have been increased instead to wit:

For the President – P12 billion in addition to the Pagcor Social Fund, the contingent fund and PCSO fund.

For the Vice President – P200 million

For the Senators – P200 million plus P100 million on insertions plus P15 million each for Members of the Commission on Appointments (CA).

For Congressmen – P70 million plus P50 million per district from DPWH funds plus P15 million for CA members.

The pork barrel fever has reached local governments. Quezon City Councilors get P43 million each. Provincial Board Members of Class 1 provinces get P5-10 million each. In addition, Mayors, Vice Mayors and Councilors of cities with casinos get millions from Pagcor.      Congressmen, Governors, Provincial Board Members, Mayors, Vice Mayors and Councilors get millions a year from STL and jueteng operators.

Walang matuwid na daan dito. –Ernesto M. Maceda (The Philippine Star)