Lacson’s warning on pork insertions unfounded — Suarez

The leader of the officially recognized minority in the House on Thursday joined majority congressmen in defending Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s claim that the lower chamber was poised to restore “pork barrel” in next year’s national budget.

“The fears being raised by Senator Lacson are unfounded. We are always guided by the Supreme Court decision and we will make sure that we comply with [its] ruling,” Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said.

Lacson said Arroyo’s promise that no congressman would have zero budget for his or her district was a clear indication that the budget proposal submitted by Malacañang would have “pork barrel” insertions. —JEROME ANING