Drilon insists Senate not having predicaments amidst pork barrel controversy

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MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon in his most recent statement insists that the senate is definitely not in crisis and that the institution remains whole and strong amidst the involvement of several senate members on the controversial multi-billion peso pork barrel scam.

During his brief talk with the press, Senate President Drilon said there is no emerging crisis in the Senate and that senate work remains normal, thus far.

"Wala ring krisis, sa akin po, ipagpatuloy natin ang mga reporma na ginagawa natin at naumpisahan noong nakaraang taon," Drilon said.

The senate leader further said every member of the senate keeps working on certain reforms, including the ultimate elimination of the controversial pork barrel funds.

Drilon also negated the previous reports that claimed the government is allocating ₱8 billion as 2015 budget for PDAF.

“Unang una, dapat naming ipagpatuloy yung mga reporma na aming nasimulan na. Kung inyo pong maalala, noong nakaraang taon, pinangunahan ko po ang iba pang 15 na senador na bumuwag at nagbura sa PDAF sa budget. Wala po kaming PDAF sa budget, sa 2014 General Appropriations Act, at sa 2015 national budget ay hinding hindi po ako papayag na bumalik ang PDAF,” he explained.

Drilon also negated allegations of him as part of the controversial "Benhur's list."

He said these are obviously false accusations especially with the media claiming the Commission on Appointments (CA) as his implementing agency.

“Eh paano mangyayari iyan kung walang alokasyon sa Commission on Appointments. At hindi naman siguro nagpapa-confirm noon si Gng. Napoles o si Luy para sila lumapit, dahil hindi naman sila government officials. Ito po ay illogical, at walang basehan,” Drilon added.

Categories: National