As thousands gathered across the country for a massive protest against the abuse of pork barrel funds, President Benigno Aquino III on Monday assured the public that government funds will no longer be abused and that those caught doing so will pay heavily.
"Hindi natin hahayaang maging kasangkapan ang sinuman upang magpatuloy ang kababuyan ng iilan. Sisikapin natin na 'di na mauulit pa ang kamalian ng nakaraan," Aquino said during the celebration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
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"Gagawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang tukuyin at panagutin ang mga nagkutsabahan para dungisan ang dapat sana'y marangal na layunin ng dating PDAF," he said.
Aquino issued the warning as thousands of Filipinos started gathering at the Luneta park in Manila, as well as various cities across the country, to stage a protest against the alleged misuse of pork barrel funds.
The protest action pushed through even after Aquino's announcement last Friday about the abolition of the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund), and the creation of a new mechanism that would facilitate the allocation of funds to local projects.
Several critics have said that the new mechanism was just a new name for the PDAF.
On Monday, Peachy Rallonza-Bretaña, one of the first to call for the protest action, said Aquino's pronouncements weren't enough.
“Yung sinabi naman niya, hindi naman inabolish eh, parang iniba lang yung sistema, iba lang yung hahawak, pero nandun pa rin siya. Pero ang gusto ng mga tao dito eh i-abolish yun eh,” Bretaña said in an interview on GMA News TV's News to Go.
“Nung lumabas yung COA report, yun yung pinaka-nakakasuklam, nakakasuka actually, na galit na galit talaga ako. Kasi pera ko yun eh. Pera natin, ng mga nagbabayad na taxpayers,” she added.
But Aquino maintained that the new system would ensure the government funds are spent for the public's welfare.
On Monday, Peachy Rallonza-Bretaña, one of the first to call for the protest action, said Aquino's pronouncements weren't enough.
“Yung sinabi naman niya, hindi naman inabolish eh, parang iniba lang yung sistema, iba lang yung hahawak, pero nandun pa rin siya. Pero ang gusto ng mga tao dito eh i-abolish yun eh,” Bretaña said in an interview on GMA News TV's News to Go.
“Nung lumabas yung COA report, yun yung pinaka-nakakasuklam, nakakasuka actually, na galit na galit talaga ako. Kasi pera ko yun eh. Pera natin, ng mga nagbabayad na taxpayers,” she added.
But Aquino maintained that the new system would ensure the government funds are spent for the public's welfare.
"Bahagi ito ng patuloy na paghahanap at pagbubuo ng mekanismo upang siguruhing ang pera ng taumbayan ay mapupunta sa taumbayan lamang," he said.
"Wag sana tayo makontento na mag-abang at tumanggap lamang ng tulong at biyaya mula sa kabutihan ng iba. Sa halip gawin natin ang lahat ng makakaya natin upang gampanan ang tungkulin sa kapwa at lipunan," he said.
"Bawat isa po sa atin, gaano man kaliit o kalaki ang kaya iambag, kayang maging bayani. Patutunayan nating sulit ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani. Itutuloy natin ang kanilang laban para sa ikabubuti ng bagong salinglahi," he added.
Certify as urgent
Meanwhile, a party-list solon called on Aquino to speed up the abolition of the PDAF.
Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan challenged Aquino to “display political will and make the sacrifice” by certifying as urgent House Bill 1535 filed by party-list representatives under the Makabayan bloc.
Certify as urgent
Meanwhile, a party-list solon called on Aquino to speed up the abolition of the PDAF.
Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan challenged Aquino to “display political will and make the sacrifice” by certifying as urgent House Bill 1535 filed by party-list representatives under the Makabayan bloc.
The bill seeks to “abolish the pork barrel system by prohibiting the allocation and use of funds for such purpose.” Ilagan also dared Aquino to make a commitment to set aside his own “presidential pork barrel.”