Syjuco urges SC not to delay DAP debate

Former Iloilo Representative Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco. File Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Former Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco on Monday asked the Supreme Court not to allow further delay in the debate on the legality of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

In his 23-page opposition, Syjuco said the government’s new counsel, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Vicente Mendoza, already had a month to prepare for the Jan. 28 oral argument.

“With all due respect for retired Justice Mendoza, I believe that he is a competent and proficient lawyer. A month of preparation and study is an adequate period of time in order for him to intelligently and competently defend his clients,” Syjuco said.

He insinuated that the government lawyers are using the entry of Justice Mendoza to further delay the proceedings.

Syjuco said if Justice Mendoza is not ready “this is a matter to be claimed and declared personally by Retired Justice Mendoza and not the OSG.”

On the other hand, regarding the extension for submission of records of funds and disbursements under DAP, he said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad claimed during last year’s oral argument that they have the complete records of DAP disbursements and sources.

The government was supposed to present their side on the DAP issue on Jan. 28, but asked that it be moved to March 25 citing the need for their new counsel to study the case.

Last month, the high court has rescheduled the oral argument upon the request of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The two chambers wanted to get their own lawyers.

There are a total of nine petitions questioning the legality of DAP. Petitioners include Augusto Syjuco Jr., the other petitioners against DAP are the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage), lawyers Jose Malvar Villegas Jr. and Manuelito Luna; the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa); the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP); the militant Bayan Muna, Kabataan and Gabriela partylist groups; and Christian sects led by Greco Belgica.

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