BY SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief
MANILA – Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional, Malacañang is insistent that it implemented the economic stimulus program “in good faith.”
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda also said nobody will be held accountable for the DAP despite the adverse SC ruling.
DAP bankrolled “noble” projects for the benefit of Filipinos and fostered economic growth, he stressed, adding that as far as the Executive Branch is concerned, there was no misuse of the funds.
“We did this in good faith,” Lacierda said.
He further told members of the Malacañang Press Corps that the Aquino administration has no regrets in using the savings from unimplemented government programs to finance fast-moving projects endorsed by agencies and lawmakers.
“How does one regret a decision to help thousands of people, of our countrymen,” Lacierda said. “How does one regret installing a Doppler radar warning system? How does one regret setting up school buildings? These are noble projects which benefited the people,” Lacierda said.
The presidential spokesperson argued that unconstitutionality does not equate to criminality.
“The Supreme Court just clarified what we can and what we cannot do with the savings. But when you speak of wrongdoing, that’s another matter,” he said.
DAP was approved by President Benigno Aquino III on October 2011 upon the recommendation of the Development Budget Coordination Committee and the cabinet clusters.
“Did somebody misuse the money and made money out of it? Did somebody create a criminal act? Then you go now to the substantive criminal laws. You talk about malversation. Was there any? You talk about other criminal acts. The reason why we cannot speak on that right now is because we’re limited to the dispositive portion, which does not speak of liability. It only spoke of unconstitutional acts,” Lacierda said.
From 2011 to 2012, a total of P142.23 billion was released for DAP programs and projects such as healthcare, public works, housing and resettlement, agriculture, roads, schools, rehabilitation of light rail transit systems, and electrification.
Of the DAP approved for 2011-2012, only P15.13 billion or 9 percent was released to programs and projects identified by legislators.
In 2013, P15.13 billion has been approved for the hiring of policemen, additional funds for the modernization of Philippine National Police, the redevelopment of Roxas Boulevard, and funding for the typhoon “Pablo” rehabilitation projects for Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court voted unanimously to strike down certain acts under DAP, including the withdrawal of un-obligated funds and their declaration as savings, as unconstitutional.
The court, however, did not say anything about the culpability of President Aquino, and other officials involved in the implementation of DAP.
Lacierda pointed out that the high court’s ruling did not state the entire DAP was unconstitutional. He defended that the Palace had no other intent but use the funds to accelerate economic growth.
Lacierda also raised doubts the SC decision on DAP would lead to Aquino’s ouster.
He noted that previous actions of the Executive Branch have been declared unconstitutional, such as the creation of the Truth Commission, but did not trigger impeachment raps or criminal complaints.
“We have always believed that the President has served with integrity and faithfulness, and the Filipino people know that very well,” he said.
Lacierda assured the public that the government would release a full accounting of the projects funded by DAP. He said the Department of Budget and Management is handling the process.
He also clarified that DAP was already stopped last year.
“Prior to the decision of the Supreme Court, DAP already served its purpose,” he explained./PN
