Legislators and their Invisible Projects

The continuous distribution of funds for priority programs and projects of the legislators or congressmen is to secure on the principle that these priority subjects would improve the living condition of the poor. It is believed to be one of the best ways for the progress of the lives of underprivileged sector of the society. But what would you feel if you knew that the government officials are not doing their job and worse, they do invisible projects or programs to take the money or benefits that community people must be receiving from the government funds.

Local Government Units (LGU) was identified as among the implementers of the projects under six categories:

                                                        (c) Commission on Audit


A total of ₱2.034 Billion was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the selected LGUs. The Audit revealed that the consumption of PDAF released to LGUs for soft projects were not appropriate in the submitted reports or expenditures amounting ₱1.289 Billion as examined by the COA are not compliant with the existing rules and regulations with large amounts supported with questionable documents. Moreover, transactions amounting to ₱234.13 Million were not documented.
Medical missions, feeding programs and similar activities have no proof to support the conduct of such activities. Financial assistance was released to various individuals and associations without any documentary support to assess the actual needs and requirements and eligibility under the program. Burial assistance without death certificates and educational assistance was released without school records and scholarship contracts and livelihood assistance without project profile.

The use of government funds without proper documentation is completely a violation of the law. It’s the time for us to be aware and take action for corrupt officials to be penalized for what they’ve done. I believe our country is not poor if only we have true leaders that will serve right to its people.