Abolition of Road Board won’t solve anomalies–solon

Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Abolishing the Road Board under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), a move proposed by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, will not resolve its past alleged anomalous transactions.

Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone said this Friday after Pimentel called the administration to “clean up” the Road Board as part of its efforts to achieve the “daang matuwid”.

In a text message sent to reporters, the lawmaker said he opposed the senator’s suggestion.
“I’m against the proposal of Sen. Koko Pimentel to abolish the Road Board because it will not solve alleged irregularities in the past, particularly the misuse and misallocation of the funds.”

“What is needed is transparency and accountability in the use of the funds,” he said.

Pimentel recently said that he has received many reports of irregularities in activities of the Road Board “especially during the previous administration.”

But Evardone believes that the present leadership of the Road Board is in the process of rolling out reforms within its ranks in order to halt the alleged misuse of funds.

“Road board funds which come from the proceeds of road users’ tax, can help a lot in the maintenance and upgrading of national roads if used properly,” he said.

“We just have to be vigilant against possible abuse of the funds,” the legislator added.