LP protests defunding of 24 solons, says democracy demands dissent

LP President and Sen. Francis Pangilinan (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Democracy demands dissent.”

So said Liberal Party (LP) president and minority Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan who slammed the administration for “purging” the infrastructure projects of opposition House lawmakers.

“Democracy ensures space for the opposition. This defunding is undisguised show of power with the message: Gagawin namin dahil kaya namin. Bawal kumontra, tatamaan kahit na sino,” Pangilinan said in a statement on Thursday.

Twenty-four “undesirable” lawmakers were left with “zero” infrastructure funding for their districts or party-list constituencies, according to an INQUIRER report.

Depriving the opposition lawmakers of constituents’ funds will take its toll on the people, Pangilinan stressed.

“For 2018, Congress passed a P3.767-trillion budget. In a democracy, that budget is of, for, and by the people,” the senator said.

The LP president said the defunded projects could have been for housing or school projects, flood control or access roads.

The senator lamented that such projects would no longer be enjoyed by the lawmakers’ respective constituents.

“We were elected by our constituents because of our track record and competence, advocacy and the principles we stand for,” Pangilinan said.

“This is the price we have to pay for standing up for democracy, and we are prepared to take the consequences. It goes with the job. We will continue to fight for the rights and interest of the people,” the senator said.