Rehab funds carry ‘do not plunder’ warning

MANILA, Philippines – The P20-billion fund for the rehabilitation of areas hit by typhoon Yolanda and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake comes with a “do not plunder” warning.

A provision in the program stipulates and warns that “any government official, employee, and person who shall misuse any amount of the fund under his control or administration shall suffer the maximum penalty imposed under the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 3019, Republic Act 7080 and under penal laws.”

Punishments for violation of the provision include long-term imprisonment and hefty fines.

Senator Ralph Recto noted that this is the first time a provision of this nature is incorporated into the national budget.

The incorporation of the special provision comes on the heels of series of calamities coupled with the issues of corruption that hit the country on the second half of last year. (READ: Pork tales: A story of corruption and #wRap2013: A year of endings and beginnings)

Punishment and scope

Republic Act 7080 punishes plunder practices involving at least P75 million in bribes or kickbacks from public projects with life imprisonment and a lifetime ban on holding public office.

Under RA 3019, any person involved in practices of graft and corruption will be punished with imprisonment of up to 10 years and a lifetime ban from vying for a seat in government and confiscation of unexplained wealth.

On the other hand, pocketing at least P200 in national funds merits imprisonment of 6 months to 6 years as per the Revised Penal Law.

The rehabilitation and reconstruction program covers areas affected by the major typhoons (Yolanda, Santi, Odette, Sendong, Vinta. and Labuyo), the 7.2-magnitude earthquake, and the rebel siege in Zamboanga City.

There are 11 government agencies and departments expected to receive the fund and comply with the provision.

• Department of Agriculture (P500 million)

• Department of Education (P1 billion) 

• Department of Energy (P500 million)

• State Universities and Colleges (P3 billion)

• Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (P1 billion) 

• Department of Health (P1 billion)

• Department of Public Works and Highways (P5 billion)

• National Housing Authority (P1.5 billion)

• Department of Social Welfare and Development (P3.5 billion) 

• Department of Transportation and Communication (P1 billion)

• Department of Interior local government (P2 billion) 

Under the 2014 budget law, or the General Appropriations Act, the funds shall be released directly to the implementing agencies upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the approval of President Benigno Aquino III. 

Recto also added that the “plunder warning” also applies to other budgetary sources for disaster rehabilitation. – Rappler.com