Bicol Congressmen Use P3.881Bn Pork Barrel Funds Between 2009 and 2013

2013_0917_robredocalabanga
A League of her own: Leni Robredo, the epitome and the new face of a Bicol public servant. Last week, Atty. Leni Robredo visited the far-flung coastal barangays of the municipality of Calabanga. She had to cross a river and a hill and walk along the shores to reach constituents. Photo from and courtesy of her Facebook page.

Bicol congressmen received a total of P3.881 billion pork barrel funds between 2009 and March 2013, according to the records of the Department of Budget and Management. The amount represent funds released to 24 present and past congressional representatives of the six Bicol provinces.

Representative District  Amount
1 Bravo, Narciso Jr. R.  1st District, Masbate P266,000,000.00
2 Fuentebella, Arnulfo P.  4th District, CamSur  223,500,000.00
3 Kho, Antonio T.  2nd District, Masbate 220,000,000.00
4 Escudero, Salvador III H.  1st District, Sorsogon 218,850,000.00
5 Villafuerte, Luis R.  3rd District, CamSur  216,750,000.00
6 Ramos, Deogracias Jr. B.  2nd District, Sorsogon 215,000,000.00
7 Lagman, Edcel C.  1st District, Albay  198,194,000.00
8 Gonzalez, Fernando V.  3rd District, Albay  190,000,000.00
9 Unico, Renato Jr. J.  1st District, CamNorte  190,000,000.00
10 Panotes, Elmer E.  2nd District, CamNorte  190,000,000.00
11 Andaya, Rolando Jr. G.  1st District, CamSur  190,000,000.00
12 Fortuno, Salvio B.  5th District, CamSur  190,000,000.00
13 Lanete, Scott Davies S.  3rd District, Masbate 190,000,000.00
14 Co, Christopher S.  Ako  Bicol 190,000,000.00
15 Garbin, Alfredo Jr. A. Ako  Bicol 190,000,000.00
16 Bichara, Al Francis DC.  2nd District, Albay  189,000,000.00
17 Sarmiento, Cesar V.  Lone District, Catanduanes 188,500,000.00
18 Batocabe, Rodel M. Ako  Bicol 187,000,000.00
19 Arroyo, Diosdado Ignacio M.  2nd District, CamSur  60,000,000.00
20 Seachon-Lanete, Rizalina L.  3rd District, Masbate 55,000,000.00
21 Santiago, Joseph A.  Lone District, Catanduanes 45,300,000.00
22 Chato, Liwayway V.  Lone District, CamNorte  43,300,000.00
23 Lim, Reno G.  3rd District, Albay  32,800,000.00
24 Alfelor, Felix Jr. R.  4th District, CamSur  2,000,000.00
Grand Totals P3,881,194,000.00

Checking now into per fiscal year allocation shows a better understanding of each lawmaker’s share. First table below is the most current PDAF release for lawmakers up until the close of the 15th Congress.

No PDAF was allocated or released to Camarines Sur 2nd District representative Dato Arroyo by Malacanang/DBM.  Makes one ponder the effect of withholding any fund release for the congressman who happened to be the son of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Was it a clear sign of vindictiveness on the part of the present administration?   Somehow, the constituents of the district were the ones jointly penalized.

Comparing the tables now, the current term of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III pork barrel fund released to congressmen (June 2010 onwards) has a very noticeable increase by leaps and bounds versus the previous administration of Macapagal-Arroyo ( May 2010 and backwards). That increase further fueled the appetite of congressmen for pork barrel and corruption, as P-Noy’s Malacanang used the carrot and stick approach.

Have you checked the current  news update on PDAF?  Well a total of 38 persons were charged with either plunder, malversation, direct bribery and/or graft and corrupt practices in connection with Janet Lim-Napoles’ alleged pork barrel scam, according to the Department of Justice. This piece of information published in The Bulletin Today.  And more of a confirmation than a surprise, one Bicolano representative Ex-Rep. (now Masbate Gov.) Rizalina Seachon-Lanete (amount of kickbacks from Napoles: P108.4 million) was one prominently listed.  We pray tell that she may not be that last Bicolano politician accused of alleged PDAF malversation, etc.

Raps of plunder, etc are actually based on the findings of the Commission on Audit based on PDAF funds released covering only the period from 2007-2009.

The Commission on Audit has released its Report on the Special Audit it conducted on the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and Various Infrastructures including Local Projects (VILP).

The PDAF and VILP are the amounts provided in the General Appropriations Act as funding sources for projects of legislators. PDAF is intended to fund “soft” projects under the category of education, health, livelihood, social services, financial assistance to address specific propoor programs, peace and order, historical, cultural and arts, as well as small infrastructure projects like irrigation, rural electrification, water supply, housing and forest management.

VILP, on the other hand, is intended for “hard” projects under the category of public works. For each Senator, the annual allocation is PHP 100 Million for soft projects and PHP 100 Million for hard projects, or a total of PHP 200 Million

For each Congressman and Party List Representative, the annual allocation is PHP30 Million for soft projects and PHP 40 Million for hard projects, or a total of PHP 70Million.

PDAF Releases of District Representatives for Fiscal Year 2013  
District  Legislator   
1 1st District, Albay  Lagman, Edcel C.  35,000,000
2 3rd District, Albay  Gonzalez, Fernando V.  35,000,000
3 2nd District, Albay  Bichara, Al Francis DC.  0
5 1st District, Camarines Norte  Unico, Renato Jr. J.  35,000,000
6 2nd District, Camarines Norte  Panotes, Elmer E.  35,000,000
8 1st District, Camarines Sur  Andaya, Rolando Jr. G.  35,000,000
10 3rd District, Camarines Sur  Villafuerte, Luis R.  35,000,000
11 4th District, Camarines Sur  Fuentebella, Arnulfo P.  35,000,000
12 5th District, Camarines Sur  Fortuno, Salvio B.  35,000,000
14 Lone District, Catanduanes  Sarmiento, Cesar V.  33,500,000
16 1st District, Masbate  Bravo, Narciso Jr. R.  35,000,000
17 2nd District, Masbate  Kho, Antonio T.  35,000,000
18 3rd District, Masbate  Lanete, Scott Davies S.  35,000,000
20 1st District, Sorsogon  Escudero, Salvador III H.  20,000,000
21 2nd District, Sorsogon  Ramos, Deogracias Jr. B.  35,000,000
  District Reps Totals 473,500,000

Table below shows the PDAF 2012 release by Malacanang/DBM.  Constituents of congressman Arroyo will ask, why the zero amount? Because the  Palace did not release any centavo , thus zero.

PDAF Releases of District Representatives for Fiscal Year 2012
1st District, Albay  Lagman, Edcel C.  70,000,000
2nd District, Albay  Bichara, Al Francis DC.  105,000,000
3rd District, Albay  Gonzalez, Fernando V.  70,600,000
1st District, Camarines Norte  Unico, Renato Jr. J.  70,000,000
2nd District, Camarines Norte  Panotes, Elmer E.  70,000,000
1st District, Camarines Sur  Andaya, Rolando Jr. G.  71,000,000
2nd District, Camarines Sur  Arroyo, Diosdado Ignacio M.  0
3rd District, Camarines Sur  Villafuerte, Luis R.  90,000,000
4th District, Camarines Sur  Fuentebella, Arnulfo P.  70,000,000
5th District, Camarines Sur  Fortuno, Salvio B.  70,000,000
Lone District, Catanduanes  Sarmiento, Cesar V.  70,000,000
1st District, Masbate  Bravo, Narciso Jr. R.  70,000,000
2nd District, Masbate  Kho, Antonio T.  70,000,000
3rd District, Masbate  Lanete, Scott Davies S.  70,000,000
1st District, Sorsogon  Escudero, Salvador III H.  69,000,000
2nd District, Sorsogon  Ramos, Deogracias Jr. B.  75,000,000
GRAND TOTAL  1,110,600,000

Table below list the Malacanang/DBM release for Bicol congressmen for 2011.  Again, no pork barrel fund for Dato Arroyo.

PDAF Releases of District Representatives for Fiscal Year 2011
District  Legislator  Total
1st District, Albay  Lagman, Edcel C.  70,000,000
2nd District, Albay  Bichara, Al Francis DC.  35,000,000
3rd District, Albay  Gonzalez, Fernando V.  69,400,000
1st District, Camarines Norte  Unico, Renato Jr. J.  70,000,000
2nd District, Camarines Norte  Panotes, Elmer E.  70,000,000
1st District, Camarines Sur  Andaya, Rolando Jr. G.  69,000,000
2nd District, Camarines Sur  Arroyo, Diosdado Ignacio M.  0
3rd District, Camarines Sur  Villafuerte, Luis R.  50,000,000
4th District, Camarines Sur  Fuentebella, Arnulfo P.  70,000,000
5th District, Camarines Sur  Fortuno, Salvio B.  70,000,000
Lone District, Catanduanes  Sarmiento, Cesar V.  70,000,000
1st District, Masbate  Bravo, Narciso Jr. R.  70,000,000
2nd District, Masbate  Kho, Antonio T.  70,000,000
3rd District, Masbate  Lanete, Scott Davies S.  70,000,000
1st District, Sorsogon  Escudero, Salvador III H.  70,000,000
2nd District, Sorsogon  Ramos, Deogracias Jr. B.  65,000,000
GRAND TOTAL  988,400,000

Pork barrel fund release of Malacanang/DBM for the year 2010.

PDAF Releases of District Representatives for Fiscal Year 2010
District  Legislator  Total
1st District, Albay  Lagman, Edcel C.  16,000,000
2nd District, Albay  Bichara, Al Francis DC.  30,000,000
3rd District, Albay  Gonzales, Fernando V.  15,000,000
3rd District, Albay  Lim, Reno G.  10,000,000
1st District, CamNorte  Unico, Renato Jr. J.  15,000,000
2nd District, CamNorte  Panotes, Elmer E.  15,000,000
Lone District, CamNorte  Chato, Liwayway V.  25,000,000
1st District, CaSur  Andaya, Rolando Jr. G.  15,000,000
1st District, CamSur  Arroyo, Diosdado M.  30,000,000
2nd District, CamSur  Villafuerte, Luis R.  30,000,000
3rd District, CamSur  Fuentebella, Arnulfo P.  17,000,000
4th District, CamSur  Alfelor, Felix Jr. R.  1,000,000
5th District, CamSur  Fortuno, Salvio B.  15,000,000
Lone District, Catanduanes  Santiago, Joseph A.  14,000,000
Lone District, Catanduanes  Sarmiento, Cesar V.  15,000,000
1st District, Masbate  Bravo, Narciso Jr. R.  30,000,000
2nd District, Masbate  Kho, Antonio T.  30,000,000
3rd District, Masbate  Seachon-Lanete, Rizalina L.  15,000,000
3rd District, Masbate  Lanete, Scott Davies S.  15,000,000
1st District, Sorsogon  Escudero, Salvador III H.  29,500,000
2nd District, Sorsogon  Ramos, Deogracias Jr. B.  15,000,000
GRAND TOTAL  397,500,000

Pork barrel release for Bicol congressmen in 2009.

PDAF Releases of District Representatives for Fiscal Year 2009
District  Legislator  Total
1st District, Albay  Lagman, Edcel C.  7,194,000
2nd District, Albay  Bichara, Al Francis DC.  19,000,000
3rd District, Albay  Lim, Reno G.  22,800,000
Lone District, Camarines Norte  Chato, Liwayway V.  18,300,000
1st District, Camarines Sur  Arroyo, Diosdado M.  30,000,000
2nd District, Camarines Sur  Villafuerte, Luis R.  11,750,000
3rd District, Camarines Sur  Fuentebella, Arnulfo P.  31,500,000
4th District, Camarines Sur  Alfelor, Felix Jr. R.  1,000,000
Lone District, Catanduanes  Santiago, Joseph A.  31,300,000
1st District, Masbate  Bravo, Narciso Jr. R.  61,000,000
2nd District, Masbate  Kho, Antonio T.  15,000,000
3rd District, Masbate  Seachon-Lanete, Rizalina L.  40,000,000
1st District, Sorsogon  Escudero, Salvador III H.  30,350,000
2nd District, Sorsogon  Solis, Jose G.  25,000,000
GRAND TOTAL  344,194,000

Ako Bicol Party list representatives pork barrel funds for 2010 up until March 2013:

PDAF Releases of Party List Representatives 2010 – 2013
2013 Ako  Bicol Batocabe, Rodel M. 32,000,000
2013 Ako  Bicol Co, Christopher S.  35,000,000
2013 Ako  Bicol Garbin, Alfredo Jr. A. 35,000,000
2012 Ako Bicol Batocabe, Rodel M. 70,000,000
2012 Ako  Bicol Co, Christopher S. 70,000,000
2012 Ako  Bicol Garbin, Alfredo Jr. A. 70,000,000
2011 Ako bicol Batocabe, Rodel M. 70,000,000
2011 Ako  Bicol Co, Christopher S. 70,000,000
2011 Ako  Bicol Garbin, Alfredo Jr. A. 70,000,000
2010 Ako Bicol Batocabe, Rodel M. 15,000,000
2010 Ako Bicol Co, Christopeher S. 15,000,000
2010 Ako Bicol Garbin, Alfredo S. 15,000,000
Total 567,000,000

The Commission on Audit should uncover more anomalies, irregularities, corruption and wheeling and dealings if it continue the audit for the years covering the period from where it left off the present audit work.  That next big job will obviously cover the current administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.  It will be a mine of mind-boggling information more than what was obtained lately.

Care enough to read about the COA Audit report, heed to this site Press Statement on Special Audit Report No. 2012.

Next, we try to peek on where the PDAF was intended to be spent for or finance what. For there is no way to ascertain if money released by DBM was really and rightfully spent. DBM did not care enough for that.

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4 thoughts on “Bicol Congressmen Use P3.881Bn Pork Barrel Funds Between 2009 and 2013”

  1. Pinoy’s administration has a noble purpose of releasing these amount ;that is for the good of the people… the former pres. released very meager amount because the giant share were entered in her vault ..this likewise goes to show that the Phil. is a very rich country but infested with corrupt politicians , except PINOY

  2. More a matter of “lost in translation,” when the leadership gears toward clean and honest government but the people below would not toe the line. It always happen. Pilferage and corruption rules rather than the exception. That is why posting this piece the editor opted for Atty Leni Robredo’s photo rather than the firing line IDs of the seasoned congressmen.

  3. maraming problema ng kahirapan sa Bicol.. pero ang pinaka malala ang sitwasyong ng Siruma,, pwede bang usisain kung bakit hanggang ngayon, ganuon ang daan mula Naga hanggang Siruma,,

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