IBP-Cebu City joins call for pork barrel abolition

LEGISLATORS who are proven to have enriched themselves through their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) should be held accountable.

In a statement, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City Chapter said they join the public clamor for the abolition of the PDAF or pork barrel because it had been abused by government officials.

IBP Cebu City Chapter President Mae Elaine Bathan said the recent exposés on businesswoman Janet Napoles Lim and her dealings with senators and congressmen have shown a disturbing picture of mass corruption.

“The wanton corruption defeats the very purpose for which the pork barrel was established. Clearly, there is a need to revisit the system on checks and balances to ensure that programs are geared to benefit the people,” she said.

Like the Cebuanos who joined last Monday’s march from Fuente Osmeña to Plaza Independencia, Bathan said their group calls on the Senate and Congress to conduct an impartial investigation on the issue so appropriate charges may be filed against the violators. Correspondent Edison A. delos Angeles