‘Pork’ not bad for those in need

WITH medical bills already reaching P67,000, Asela Cahukom has no other recourse but to ask her congressman’s help to pay for her husband’s mounting healthcare expenses.

“If the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) gets abolished, what will happen to us?,” she asked while lugging a folder filled with documents that she will submit to the PDAF coordinator of Cebu 6th district Rep. Luigi Quisumbing.

Cahukom, 35 was in tears as she recounted her ordeal in securing the documents while attending to her husband Arnel Miole, who was confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).

Miole, a painter, was rushed to the hospital after figuring in a motorcycle accident last July 18.

She’s not alone.

Quisumbing bankrolls 1,500 scholars who are also worried about their future if the congressman’s PDAF is scrapped.

“My parents are finding it hard to find P5,500 for one semester, how much more if the P2,500 education subsidy is cut off,” said Andrew Cuerda, an 18-year-old resident of Cambaro, Mandaue City.

Lucy Sinangote, PDAF coordinator of Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s 4th district, said the congressman’s funds go to their intended beneficiaries.

“We even give our money to those people who really need help. Sometimes, we give them our own food because we really pity them,” she said. With Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza