Bayan denounces Aquino’s refusal of Abad’s resignation

By: Julliane Love De Jesus - 10 years ago

Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–A militant group quickly slammed on Friday President Benigno Aquino III for rejecting Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad’s resignation, saying the President’s refusal was to protect Abad and himself.

“President Aquino’s rejection of DBM (Department of Budget and Management) Secretary Butch Abad’s resignation shows that the President is still in a state of denial regarding the illegality of the DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program),” Renato Reyes Jr., Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general, said in an e-mailed statement minutes after Aquino’s announcement.

“He is protecting Abad and in turn protecting himself. Let us all remember that Aquino and Abad are in the same boat as both signed the memos ordering the DAP releases,” Reyes added.

Earlier Friday, Aquino announced over the television broadcast of the 2015 national budget hearing that Abad tendered his resignation on Thursday but he did not accept it.

Abad’s attempt to step down as Department of Budget and Management (DBM) came amid criticisms that he benefitted from the illegal transfer of P170 billion in public funds through the controversial DAP.

“The President’s retention of Abad is a stubborn defense of DAP and everything wrong with it, in the face of a clear, unanimous Supreme Court (SC) ruling. In his retention of Abad, the President is party to the cover-up of DAP misdeeds,” Reyes said.

“It is utterly disgusting and strengthens calls for the impeachment of the President.”

“Parang binastos lang din niya ang SC (He just ridiculed the SC),” he added.

The high court declared parts of the DAP unconstitutional.