By Janice M. Cave
MANILA, (PNA) — The Aquino administration is prudent and judicious in spending the funds sourced from Malampaya.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said since Pres Benigno Aquino III took over in June 2010, only ten projects amounting to a total of P15 billion were sourced from the funds.
“2011 tayo unang kumuha sa Malampaya… but remember, for energy-related projects lang. The President construes that particular provision very strictly,” Valte said at a media briefing.
Some of the projects funded using the Malampaya funds or the royalties of the government from the gas project, include the Pantawid Pasada program of the Department of Energy, electrification of far-flung barangays and the acquisition of the US Hamilton-class cutter, she said.
“According to [Energy] Sec. Petilla, nasa P130 billion ang current balance ng funds ngayon,” Valte said.
A recent Philippine Daily Inquirer report revealed the allegedly anomalous release of millions in Malampaya funds during the administration of Pres. Aquino’s predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“Yung Malampaya na napapabalita ngayon, that was in 2010,” Valte said.