MANILA, (PNA) — The Aquino government vowed to bring to justice those who benefitted from misusing the Malampaya Funds, a Palace official said on Monday.
“Those who misused the money supposedly intended for energy and energy-related projects, should be held accountable. They should face prosecution,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang.
On Oct 3, 2013, the Dept. of Justice–National Bureau of Investigation recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of plunder charges against 20 individuals, including former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in relation to the Malampaya fund.
Lacierda reiterated that the Aquino administration is prudent and judicious in spending the funds sourced from the Malampaya.
Since Pres Benigno Aquino III assumed his post in June 2010, only 10 projects amounting to a total of P15 billion were sourced from the funds.
“I can guarantee you, lahat ng ginagamit po ni Pangulong Aquino dito po sa Malampaya Fund ay ginagamit para sa energy and energy-related projects. Nilabas na po namin ‘yung projects—‘yung listahan ng proyekto namin, so nandoon po lahat ‘yan,” he said.
Among the projects include the fuel requirement of the National Power Corporation – Small Power Utilities, Public Transport Assistance Program – Pantawid Pasada, Acquisition/transfer of USCGC Hamilton, Upgrade of capability requirement for 2011 relative to the security and protection of the Malampaya Natural Gas-to-Power Project, Barangay Line Enhancement and Sitio Electrification Projects.