‘Chosen few’ to get billions worth of projects in 2018 – Lacson

Senator Panfilo Lacson disclosed on Wednesday that a “chosen few” senators and congressmen would get billions worth of projects next year.

“Quoting from martial law years under Marcos, ‘some are smarter than the others.’ A chosen few from both Houses are getting billions worth of projects in areas of their choices and districts,” Lacson said in a text message.

“I discovered most of those ‘owned up’ projects when I cut some P68 billion worth of DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) infra projects with yet unresolved ROW (right-of way) issues,” he said.

The senator issued the statement when sought for comment on reports that some opposition lawmakers would not get funds for their pet projects in 2018 as a consequence of politics or for not toeing the administration line.

READ: ‘Undesirable’ 24: Dissenting solons lose pet projects

Quoting unnamed sources, the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) reported that infrastructure projects amounting to P11 billion had been realigned during the bicameral conference.

“As we were made to believe this is a ‘porkless budget’, we see this…” Lacson said on Twitter, referring to the PDI story.

While he did not object when the Senate ratified the 2018 national budget last December 12, Lacson questioned the additional P11 billion raise given to the DPWH budget.

READ: Lacson questions budget raise given to DPWH next year

/kga