By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA, (PNA) — Catholic prelates support the call of retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno who urged those against the pork barrel system to start a people’s initiative to enact the law that will scrap the Priority Development Assistance Fund.
Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, in a text message to the Philippines News Agency, said: “Yes, I am in favor of CJ Puno’s proposal. But it should include the alternative for the common good of the country.”
Retired Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez also supports the call for the abolition of the pork barrel.
“I agree that the present system of pork barrel must go. It is a source of corruption,” he said.
For Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, “Yes, because P-noy and Congress are determined to keep it by many names.”
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros believes the people’s initiative is the last recourse.
“I think the pork barrel must be abolished by law or by the SC. PI is the last recourse. It has been the cause of corruption and patronage politics,” he added.
Meanwhile, Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said calling for a PI is premature at this moment since there is a hearing before the High Court on pork barrel’s constitutionality.
“It is premature in a sense that the SC is still hearing a case. Once it is declared unconstitutional by the SC, what will the PI be for?” he said.
The poll body chief said the people should wait for the ruling of the SC.
Section 8 of Republic Act 6735 or the Initiative and Referendum Act provides that “The Commission shall call and supervise the conduct of initiatives”.
It will be the Comelec that will verify whether the required number of signatures in the PI petition is met and merit the initiation of a referendum.