Malampaya funds used for ‘10 energy-related projects’ under Aquino gov’t—Palace exec

The Malampaya gas rig is found 80 kilometers off the shore of northwest Palawan. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Following reports over the alleged misuse of P23.6 billion in the government’s share in the Malampaya Fund during the Arroyo administration, Malacañang clarified Friday that since President Benigno Aquino III took office in 2010, his administration used only P15 billion from the fund to carry out “10 energy-related projects”.

In a press briefing, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the money totalling P15,255,416,490 was used to finance the projects “based on the requirement of the law.”

These are:

• Fuel requirement for Small Power Utilities of the National Power Corporation (NPC)
• Fuel requirement for generator sets lease rental and capital expenditures of NPC
• Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP) – Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP)
• Hamilton-class cutters acquisition for the Philippine Navy
• Upgrading capabilities for the security and protection of Malampaya natural gas projects
• Short-term facility of NPC
• Missionary electrification
• Barangay line enhancement
• Sitio Electrification projects
• Transfer, docking, periodic haul maintenance costs of Weather High Endurance Cutter Class Vessel

The Malampaya Fund represents the royalties that the government collects from the Malampaya gas-to-power project in Palawan province.

It is managed by the Department of Finance, primarily intended for energy-related projects, but which could also be used for other purposes approved by the President.

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