Gov’t urged to adopt new program for state scholars

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Scholars in state universities and colleges should be allowed to enrol on a “study now, pay later” basis now that the Supreme Court has declared the lawmakers’ “pork barrel” funds unconstitutional,  Senator  Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said on Tuesday.

This was just one way how, Angara said, the government can ensure that public and social services would  not suffer even with the scrapping of the  pork barrel funds.

“I haven’t read the decision but it’s something that must be respected coming from the high court as ultimate interpreter of laws,”  he  said in a text message to reporters.

“As a practical  matter, the government has to find ways to ensure that public and social services do not suffer. For instance, scholars in state universities and colleges hopefully will be allowed to enrol  on a study now, pay later basis since these are government institutions,” said the senator

Angara said the Commission on Higher Education and both houses of Congress could guarantee the payment of  the scholars’ tuition.

“So these types of practical problems  must be considered,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and  opposition Senator Nancy Binay, meanwhile, urged their colleagues  to abide by the decision of the high tribunal.

“I call on my fellow legislators to abide by the ruling of the high court and to refrain from any attempt to circumvent the rules laid down by the decision of the magistrates in order to revive a similar system,” Cayetano said in a statement.

“Let me also take this opportunity to call on the Executive and Congress to make sure that the unspent portion of this year’s PDAF goes straight to the people as fast as possible, especially to the victims of the recent calamities,” he added.

PDAF is Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) more known as “pork barrel” funds.

Binay said she respects the SC decision and urged her colleagues to “strictly” follow it.

“We must conform to the fundamental principles outlined by the SC in its decision. These rules should serve as guidelines for the Senate especially at this time where we are scrutinizing the proposed 2014 budget submitted by the Executive,” she said.

“From the very beginning when I took oath as senator, I have decided not to use the 2013 PDAF allocation in deference to the Supreme Court,” Binay added.

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