Suplico did not get share in PDAF budget
Representative Rolex Suplico
Representative Rolex Suplico said he missed some P135 million of Presidential Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) commonly called as "pork barrel" for criticizing the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Suplico, who was around for the turn-over of projects funded by the Department of Agrarian Reform-Asian Development Bank Agrarian Reform Community Project in Sto. Rosario, Ajuy Monday said he is supposed to receive P30 million in 2005, P70 million in 2006 and another P35 million for 2007 but he got nothing due to his adverse positions on the Arroyo administration.
Suplico is considered the third man in the group of opposition congressmen. The first being Representative Chiz Escudero and Peter Allan Cayetano.
Suplico, who seemed defensive during the program even lamented that 97 percent of the total budget of the country is apportioned to the executive department. Only three percent goes to the constitutional bodies. The President still controls the budget. The releases are subject to the approval of the President though there are also lump sum appropriations.
Many were surprised of Suplico's speech as they are waiting for the solon to commit or discuss what he has delivered for the people of the fifth district particularly on the development projects. The congressman, other than expressing his grievances to the administration, only said it is hard to get a budget and they have to take care of it.