DILG told to detail NTF-ELCAC projects to avoid 'pork barrel' tag

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday was advised by senators to improve the disclosure of projects implemented by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to avoid being classified as "pork barrel."

During the Senate finance committee hearing on DILG's proposed P251.18-billion budget for 2023, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III asked for the complete details of the NTF-ELCAC's Barangay Development Program (BDP) for next year.

This, after DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Mario Iringan told the panel that they already included the list of specific projects to be implemented in 959 barangays in the National Expenditures Program for 2023.

"Pero hindi ba natin alam, 959 barangays sabi niyo no, hindi natin alam kung ano sa anim  ang nirequest nitong isang particular na barangay at magkano? Hindi niyo pa alam?" Pimentel said.

Senate panel chairperson Senator Sonny Angara then asked the DILG to furnish them a copy of the list of BDP projects.

Iringan maintained that the list of the projects were included in the NEP but Angara said there were no attachments in their submitted budget proposal.

During the deliberations of the 2022 General Appropriations Act, Angara recalled that it was the Senate panel that attached the list of projects of the NTF-ELCAC in the budget bill.

"I remember last year, kami yung nag-attach e we asked for it and we attached it kasi gusto natin maayos e pero ngayon, we're waiting for that list yung hinihingi ni minority leader. So wag na tayo humulma sa ginawa natin last year...as you mentioned, let's try to improve on what we did last year," Angara told the DILG.

Angara recalled the statement of the Department of Budget and Management in a previous budget hearing that the NTF-ELCAC projects are only identified during implementation.

"We were discussing it yesterday and we said if the identification occurs after the enactment of the budget, it takes the form of a pork barrel because it's a lump sum or it's not specified," Angara said.

"What legislators want and (DBM) Usec. Tina Canda said in accordance with proper public finance, it should really be specified ," Angara said in mixed English and Filipino.

Further, the senator said proper disclosure of NTF-ELCAC projects will "enhance the faith" of the public in the program.

He likewise pointed out that this is the same standard that they set with other government agencies.

"Gusto naming tumulong pero nahihirapan kaming tumulong kasi nakikita namin na some of practices of the program are not in accordance with the best practices with respect to budgeting. Ayaw naman namin na we have a special standard just for NTF-ELCAC. Gusto namin pantay-pantay," Angara said.

"What we apply to other agencies, we demand an accounting, we demand the disbursement-- maayos yung disbursement, yun din ang ia-apply namin sa NTF-ELCAC," he added.

Pimentel then asked the DILG to put an "extra effort" in presenting these projects before Congress to avoid violating the Supreme Court's ruling on pork barrel.

Pork barrel — declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court — refers to lump sum and discretionary funds earmarked for lawmakers in the national budget for their pet projects.

"Ang feeling ko kulang pa sa effort, a little more effort sana to detail it, wala na, lalo na tayo, we will beyond questioning whether it violates the pork barrel rule of the Supreme Court," the minority chief said.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a staunch supporter of the NTF-ELCAC programs, backed Pimentel and Angara's call.

At the end of the discussion, Pimentel said there are elements that might qualify the NTF-ELCAC projects as pork barrel and they just want to ensure that everything is compliant with the SC ruling.

"Make sure na hindi present sa program na ito yung any of the elements there. Kaunti na lang e. Kaunting effort pa makaka-comply na tayo in the spirit of an itemized budgeting. I think that is the spirit of the budgeting process. What do you think, Mr. secretary?" Pimentel said addressing Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr.

Abalos, in response, said it is a "very good practice" that should really be continued.

The DILG chief then vowed to submit the list requested by the Senate panel.—LDF, GMA News