No new funding release for MVUC, says DPWH chief
There has been no funding release from the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) for almost a year now, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar disclosed on Monday.
“The DBM (Department of Budget and Management) has written us that because of the pending law on the abolishment, there has been no released of funds from the MVUC,” Villar told the Senate committee on finance.
“That is the status right now of the funding of the MVUC although the MVUC continues with its mandate, which is to identify these projects for infrastructure projects. But at this point, the funding has not been released,” he added.
Villar made the disclosure when Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the committee, asked about his position on a measure seeking to abolish the Road Board.
The Road Board is mandated to oversee the funds collected from MVUC, which should be used exclusively for road maintenance and improvement of road drainage, installation of traffic lights and road safety devices, and air pollution control.
The Senate and the House of Representatives have approved the measures, but it remains pending in the bicameral conference committee.
READ: House committees okay bill to abolish Road Board
Even Legarda was puzzled why the Board has not been abolished.
“Sorry to say, in my view, correct me if I’m wrong, it’s a failed law. It’s a failed institution,” Legarda said.
“I don’t know what’s taking us so long. If there are shadows stopping it because it’s been four months since the bicam and I will talk to the chairman of the public works committee what’s taking the bicam so long.”
“Bakit di ma-abolish? Ang tagal tagal nang may clamor for abolition (Why can’t they abolish it? There has been a clamor for its abolition for so long)?” the senator further asked.
Legarda then asked Villar about his stand on the proposed abolition of the board.
“As a chairman and member of the Road Board, I’d leave it to the wisdom of the senators and the congressmen to decide on the fate,” he said.
Pressed further, Villar said: “My official position is to support whatever you decide.” /ee
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