Various caused-oriented groups yesterday filed a joint malversation case against former President Aquino and erstwhile Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad for approving the release of government funds via the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program that has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Aquino and Abad were also charged before the Ombudsman with usurpation of legislative powers as well as graft and corruption over the DAP.
Ten caused-oriented groups filed the 26-page complaint, including the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, Bayan Muna, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Recognition and Advancement of Government Workers, and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
VACC President Dante Jimenez said the duo have no powers to usurp the powers of Congress by diverting savings and funds of other government offices to DAP.
Rep. Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna said DAP was a “presidential pork barrel used to entice lawmakers to impeach then and convict former Chief Justice Renato C. Corona.”
He stressed that DAP was pork barrel taken from forced savings then realigned to favorite projects of the ex-President.
Zarate said that contrary to the claim of Abad, DAP was not a stimulus program as many of its disbursements have nothing to do with fanning the economy.
Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said the allegations in the complaint were included in the abortive impeachment complaint filed before the House of Representatives.
However, he said Aquino’s allies which controlled the House did not gave them a chance to present evidence pointing out the criminal liability of the former President. (Jun Ramirez)