Aquino ally insists on probe into unused ‘Yolanda’ funds

EVEN A staunch ally wants the Aquino administration to explain why P1.6 billion in disaster funds had remained idle in banks for two years after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) struck the Visayas.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon has filed House Resolution No. 2496 asking the appropriate committees to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into the unused funds meant for the relief and rehabilitation of Yolanda victims.

“This huge amount if properly utilized could have and could still address the various needs of disaster victims and help in their recovery and in the reconstruction of their communities,” Biazon said in his explanatory note.

Biazon said the agencies tasked to use these funds should be made to explain why their use had been delayed.

According to Biazon, six agencies were found by the Commission of Audit to have kept their disaster funds in banks rather than use them for their intended purpose.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez had called on House leaders to conduct a probe into the unused Yolanda funds.

Had House leaders heeded calls for a probe as early as last year, the funds would have been fully utilized by this time, Colmenares said. Gil Cabacungan