Gov’t groping for reason to justify DAP – petitioners

By: Tetch Torres-Tupas - 11 years ago

’s session hall after his “walkout.” He’s now confined at The Medical City in Pasig. RAFFY LERMA

Former Chief Justice Renato Corona . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Petitioners questioning the legality of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) accused the government of not only buying time but also groping for reason to justify its use during the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

In a joint statement by all petitioners against DAP issued Wednesday, they said “while admissions of officials and senators clearly indicate the illegal and immoral use of DAP funds, particularly related to the impeachment of former [Chief Justice] Corona, yet the OSG (Office of the Solicitor-General) uses different alibis not only to buy time, but rather, to justify the malpractice.”

Petitioners include the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Philippine Constitution Association, Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, Greco Belgica, Reuben Abante, Jose Gonzales, former Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan et al, lawyer Manuelito Luna.

The government asked the Supreme Court to move the oral argument on DAP legality from Jan. 28 to March 25 saying their new counsel, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Vicente Mendoza, needs more time to study the issue.

The high court, however dismissed the petition, but moved the presentation of documents by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from Jan. 28 to Feb. 18.

The DBM admitted that P50 million to P100 million under the DAP were released to senators, but only months after the impeachment trial. The DBM made the admission after Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada implied that P50 million in funds were released as incentives to the senators for the impeachment of Corona in 2012.

The high court wants a list from the DBM of the sources of funds brought under the DAP, the uses of such funds pursuant to DAP per project or activity and the legal bases thereof.”

Recently, Corona’s name cropped up again after Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said President Benigno Aquino III personally met them prior to the voting on whether to impeach Corona or not.

Corona remained mum on the issue.