Opinion

DPWH Reg. 3 Dir. Aquino explains to Pampanga mayors.

In a meeting hosted by Candaba last April 29, 2005, DPWH Region 3 Director Ramon Aquino explained before the mayors of Pampanga that his office has no funds for projects, and that all that the region can look forward to are the pork barrel allocations of congressmen.

With their pork barrel, the congressmen have the final say on what projects to implement. The DPWH merely acts on behalf of congressmen.

As expected, the mayors were not happy with what they heard. As local chief executives they were supposed to be the ones who are responsible for program implementation in their respective areas. Congressmen are supposed to be legislators, not project managers.

Mayor Pelayo addresses his colleagues in the Pampanga Mayors League.

What is happening in Region 3 and particularly in Pampanga is one reason why the pork barrel should be abolished. It will not only help reduce the budget deficit of the government but also strengthen the local government units as mandated by law.

It will be recalled that Mayor Jerry Pelayo criticized how the DPWH used to ignore local executives in implementing projects. At one time the mayor lambasted Aquino for lack of sincerity in dealing with local executives.

Well, the reason is now clear. Congressmen controls the DPWH, at least in Region 3.