Belmonte wants earlier release of pork barrel for relief assistance

House Speaker Sonny Belmonte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Wednesday urged the palace to release lawmakers’ pork barrel earlier to help them assist their constituents during a time of calamity.

Showing up at the House of Representatives for an inspection despite cancellation of session, Belmonte said that although their Priority Development Assistance Fund was released on time, it would be best if it was released earlier than usual so that they could use it for relief assistance and rehabilitation efforts in their respective districts.

He said there was a need to send out medicines, food, drinking water and clothing to evacuees. In some districts badly hit by massive floods, it was also necessary to fix bridges, roads and other damaged infrastructure.

Meanwhile, floodwater has reached several areas inside the Batasan Complex including the office on bills and index service, the archives, and the office of accounts chairman, An Waray Representative Florencio Noel.