Lacson: Kickback-driven 'allocables' akin to attempted robbery

The existence of "allocables" in the national budget, motivated by kickbacks for its proponents, should be viewed as equivalent to attempted or planned robbery, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Saturday said.

In a radio interview, Lacson said any public official who submits a “wish list” of projects in a supposed attempt to earn commissions or kickbacks from the "allocable" funds amounts to an attempt to rob the country.

“For a congressman or senator to dip fingers into the NEP, that can be likened to attempted robbery if the intention for the allocables is to get commissions," he said.

"Legislators have no say in the listing of projects in the NEP. The work of Congress is to introduce amendments to the NEP after it is submitted,” Lacson added.

Lacson made the statement as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, is set to open its inquiry into the so-called “Cabral files” in a hearing scheduled on January 19.

The computer files, derived from the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, supposedly contained a detailed list of projects in all legislative districts in the country, with the designated "proponents" for the projects.

Witnesses in earlier Blue Ribbon Committee hearings revealed that under the current scheme, senators and members of the House of Representatives were often given “allocables” that allegedly allowed them to be named as “proponents” and to receive kickbacks of at least 25 percent of the listed project cost.

Lacson, however, clarified that while there is no problem with lawmakers requesting funding for projects, such requests should not be made while the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is being prepared.

“If you submit a ‘wish list’ or allocables even if you have no assurance that these will be included in the final version of the General Appropriations Act, and if your motive is to collect commissions, then it may be likened to attempted, or at the very least, planned robbery,” Lacson said.

'Cabral Files'

Lacson said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will seek to authenticate the Cabral Files during Monday’s hearing with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

He warned that the DPWH’s failure to authenticate the files would render them unusable for the committee’s records.

According to Lacson, the absence of former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan at the hearing would not affect the probe but could affect Bonoan’s own case.

He said he would consult with Senate President Vicente Sotto III and other committee members on whether Bonoan would be allowed to participate in the hearing via video conferencing.

Bonoan remains out of the country after requesting an extended stay in California, United States, reportedly for his wife’s eye operation.

“It’s on him because he has to explain the submission of false data on grid coordinates to Malacañang. At Monday’s hearing, resource persons from the DPWH will testify, so it’s up to him to air his side,” Lacson said.

But Bonoan's appearance via video conferencing, if allowed, must still comply with legal requirements, Lacson said.

“If he attends through videoconferencing, it must be within the embassy grounds where the oath can be administered to him,” he said.

Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has also been invited to attend the hearing, while former police chief Nicolas Torre III is welcome to participate, according to Lacson.

At least two other resource persons are also expected to testify at Monday's hearing, the senator said.—MCG, GMA Integrated News