Former Representative Florencio Noel PHOTO FROM www.congress.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines – Former Anwaray Representative Florencio “Bem” Noel on Wednesday said he was open to any investigation after a senator exposed his alleged questionable transactions using his priority development assistance fund (PDAF) or “pork barrel” funds when he was still a member of the House of Representatives.
“Why am I being singled out here?” Noel said in a text message, after Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada questioned the millions of pesos t that he had allegedly poured into Mandaluyong City.
“We have placed our PDAF in Mandaluyong because of the large Waray population there. How I’d wished the good senator also made public the P30 million of pork that I’ve placed at the National Kidney & Transplant Institute, Philippine Heart Center, PGH, and other local hospitals throughout the country,”’ he said.
“How I’d hoped he made known the P35 million we’ve allotted for scholarships in other LGUs (local government unites) not just Mandaluyong. Never have I placed our PDAF on any NGOs (non-government organizations), much more in an anomalous NGO.”
“I am always open to any probe or investigation. My track record as a public servant speaks for itself,” Noel added.
In a privilege speech in the Senate, Estrada said Noel’s partylist was based in Leyte, Samar and Biliran and yet he used most of his PDAF in Mandaluyong City.
Citing COA report, the senator said Noel’s transactions amounting to P23.9 million did not comply with the procurement law while P19.6 million worth of transactions were with suppliers “of questionable existence.”