MANILA, July 30 (PNA) – Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday assured the public that no funds similar to the controversial priority development assistance fund (PDAF) or pork barrel will be inserted in the proposed 2015 national budget.
Drilon made this assurance as Malacanang is expected to submit the proposed P2.606 billion budget to Congress on Wednesday.
The Senate leader stressed the Senate has abolished the PDAF before it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (SC).
”We will assure and I will lead, that no PDAF will be inserted in the proposed national budget for 2015,” Drilon said.
Drilon even assured the passage of the national budget before December 31 this year.
The PDAF has tarnished the image of the Senate as an institution after several senators specifically Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., have been linked to the alleged misuse of P10 billion pork barrel funds.
The three senators are now detained at the Camp Crame for plunder and graft charges filed against them by the Ombudsman at the Sandiganbayan.
During the last Monday’s opening of the second regular session of the 16th Congress, Drilon urged colleagues to set aside 2016 elections and focus on reviving the people’s faith in the Senate by working on legislation aimed at expanding the economy and generating more jobs, advancing workers’ welfare, and strengthening anti-graft and corruption measures, among others.
Drilon admitted that the barrage of criticism against the Senate may have succeeded in reducing the worth and the weight of the Senate in the minds and lives of the people.
“The Senate as an institution remains a constitutional body entitled to respect, even if some of its members may have been found to have erred through their individual acts,” Drilon said in his speech.
Despite the negative attacks on the institution, Drilon said the Senate will continue to work on various measures that are important for national development.
“My esteemed colleagues, even amid this political turbulence, let us continue to weave dreams for our country,” said Drilon.
“Let us set aside 2016 and work hand in hand for the rebirth of the Senate,” he stressed.