Manila, Philippines – About five in 10 Filipinos said they are not aware of any projects or programs implemented by any lawmaker in the past six years, the Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan survey released yesterday said. The nationwide survey from September 14 to 27 among 1,200 respondents found out that a little over half of the population or 54 percent of Filipinos “do not know of any project or program in their place that has been implemented by any member of Congress in the last six years” while 39 percent said otherwise. Only seven percent is unable to say whether or not such programs by lawmakers have been implemented in their place during this period. The results of the second part of Pulse Asia’s Ulat ng Bayan survey on pork barrel was made public yesterday. By geographic area, the lack of awareness is highest in the rest of Luzon at 64 percent, followed by Mindanao (56 percent), and National Capital Region (NCR) and the Visayas with 54 percent each. Meanwhile, awareness is highest in Mindanao at 48 percent, followed by the Visayas (38 percent), Luzon (37 percent), and NCR (30 percent). With regards to lack of awareness among socio-economic classes, 55 percent of those belonging to Class D or the “masa” said they are not aware of any project or program implemented by lawmakers in the past six years, followed by the poorest Class E (52 percent), and upper-to-middle classes ABC (50 percent). Those who said they are aware of the existence of a program or project established by lawmakers in their area is highest among Classes ABC (47 percent), followed by Class E (39 percent), and Class D (38 percent). As also found in the same survey period, four in 10 Filipinos (42 percent) would like lawmakers to prioritize having projects and programs over their other duties and responsibilities as members of Congress while 32 percent said members of Congress should give priority to their legislative work. SOLONS REACT House leaders, including the chairman of the influential Committee on Appropriations, were not surprised by the survey. Davao Rep. Isidro Ungab, head of the appropriations panel, explained that lawmakers chose not to disclose their names on hard projects because it would be perceived as an “epal” or show off gesture. “Many lawmakers do not place their names on hard infra projects contrary to reports that several lawmakers make ‘epal.’ As for my district, the people are aware especially the barangay officials that most of the projects implemented are through congressional intervention coursed through the proper budget process,” Ungab said. AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe agreed with Ungab, saying that lawmakers are in “a damn if you do, damn if you don’t situation.” (Ellalyn B. de Vera and Charissa M. Luci)
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 22:43:11 +0000
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