Cebu solons spent P260 M for projects

ABOUT P260 million worth of Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) of nine Cebuano lawmakers were released to fund both infrastructure and basic services to their constituents, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regional office said.

The DBM said a large portion of this amount is allocated to infrastructure projects like school buildings, road concreting and drainage facilities.

Appropriation for these projects are placed at P40 million, while services are budgeted at P30 million.

Each lawmaker is allocated P70 million for their PDAF per year. The PDAF are released in three tranches.

The projects are reflected in the General Appropriations Act under individual district allocations.

They are also cited in the locally funded nationwide lump sum appropriations of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Among the congressmen, Reps. Eduardo Gullas and Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s 1st and 4th districts respectively released the largest amount so far at P35 million each.

This was followed by Rep. Pablo Garcia of Cebu’s 2nd district with P34.5 million and Rep. Luigi Quisumbing Jr. of Cebu’s 6th district with P34 million.

Rep. Arturo Radaza of Lapu-Lapu City spent P33 million while Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI of Cebu’s 5th district came next with P30 million in both infra and services projects.

Cebu City Reps. Tomas Osmeña and Rachel “Cutie” del Mar of the south and north districts respectively allocated P20 million for the construction of spillways, flood control and drainage systems and multi-purpose buildings.

Rep. Pablo John Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd district came in last with P15 million.

Most of the amount were spent for “soft projects” such as health and medical assistance and funding of livelihood projects.

All nine congressmen already released P165 million for their infrastructure projects and about P93 million for services projects. Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus