Syjuco loses bid to gag Aquino on DAP

Augusto Syjuco Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court refused to stop President Benigno Aquino III from talking about the disbursement acceleration program (DAP).

During Tuesday’s en banc, the high court has denied the manifestation filed by former Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco Jr. for lack of merit.

In his manifestation, Syjuco urged the high court to stop Aquino and his alter-egos from further defending the controversial stimulus program while the petitions assailing its constitutionality are pending.

Syjuco said Aquino violated the sub judice rule when the latter defended the DAP in a televised speech last Oct. 30, and was exerting pressure on the high tribunal ahead of its ruling.

“To ask the sentiment and approval of the public on the constitutionality of the DAP by presenting the alleged benefits derived from it, makes his speech in utter violation of the sub judice rule,” Syjuco said in his manifestation.

In his speech, the President said there had been no irregularities in the implementation of DAP projects, some of which were endorsed by legislators.

At the same time, the high court also denied for lack of merit Syjuco’s plea to summon Budget Secretary Florencio Abad in the oral arguments on the consolidated petitions scheduled for Nov. 19.

Syjuco’s motion pointed out that Abad should be made to explain the implementation of DAP.

But the high court said his plea also lacks merit.

Related stories

Aquino: I am not a thief

Estrada, Revilla: We didn’t steal too

Aquino defends DAP; ex-Chief Justice seeks people’s action vs pork

P100M each for 6 senators from DAP

DAP funds still pork, says Lacson

DAP raised pork barrel by P13B in 2011, 2012

Senators sought DAP transfer–Palace