Palace maintains: No more PDAF, no legislator role in post-budget execution

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Palace on Wednesday insisted that the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) is no longer existing and while lawmakers continue to have the power over the purse, they will not have any role in the implementation of the appropriations.

“In terms of implementation post budget execution definitely wala na hong role ang legislator,” Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing at Malacañang.

He explained that the Supreme Court already decided on the PDAF, which is declared unconstitutional.

Asked if realignments similar to that of Senator Jinggoy Estrada should be allowed, he said, “With the propriety of the insertion, we will leave it to the legislators to explain.”

He said the Palace cannot speak for the lawmakers.

Nevertheless, Lacierda said they will have more time this year to prepare for the budget without the PDAF.

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