COA urged to probe PDAF disbursement

BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

Former Rep. Jacinto Paras (Neg.Or, 1st District) has questioned the process by which the Priority Development Assistance Fund of incumbent Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong is disbursed, alleging that municipalities are denied their fair share.

Paras yesterday said he had asked the Commission on Audit to investigate alleged irregularities in the disbursements of Limkaichong’s PDAF in the first district in Negros Oriental.

He claimed that projects are undertaken without the knowledge of local chief executives, and that, financial assistance is given to individuals who have no accountability with the government.

Limkaichong confirmed Paras’ accusations, saying there’s nothing wrong with directly extending financial and livelihood assistance to farmers and workers associations, as well as to barangay captains.

She said going directly to the requesting organizations will eliminate bureaucratic red tape and kickbacks.

The latest to receive livelihood assistance from the PDAF of Limkaichong were the Domolog Livelihood Association, P99,000; Tapon Norte Farmers Association, P67,500; Kanipaan Farmers and Workers Association, P37,500; Canluto Farmers Association, P40,000; and Ilaya Rural Farmers Association, P67,500, all in Bindoy town.

Also distributed were vehicles to barangays, with barangays Peñahan and Bulod in Bindoy, as latest recipients.

Limkaichong said the financial aid is given to qualified organizations that have undergone a thorough process.

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An immediate investigation should be made on this to properly protect the interest of the government.