Malacañang welcomes deferment of TRO on DAP

Rappler.com

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Presidential Communications Office Secretary Herminio Coloma laments that discussions on the DAP have branched out to other issues

'FORTUNATE.' Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte welcomes the SC's decision not to issue a TRO on DAP for now. Screenshot from PCOO's Youtube account

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Saturday, October 26, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to defer the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). 

In an interview on government-run dzRB radio station, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said it was “fortunate” that the court did not halt the government’s use of the DAP. 

Handa po tayo talagang ipagtanggol ‘yung basehan nung Disbursement Acceleration Program, in the same way that handa po tayo tuwing tinatawag po ang Solicitor General para ibigay naman ho ang panig ng pamahalaan,” Valte said.

(We are ready to defend the legality of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, in the same way that we are ready whenever the Solicitor General is asked to give the side of the government.) 

The Aquino administration has come under fire for allegedly using the DAP to bribe senators during the impeachment trial of former chief justice Renato Corona. 

Sen Jinggoy Estrada claimed in a privilege speech in September that senators received a P50-million bribe in exchange for a vote to convict Corona. 

Malacañang admitted additional funds were released to lawmakers after the Corona trial but denied these were bribes. Budget Secretary Butch Abad said the fund releases were part of the government’s economic stimulus program known as the DAP. 

The Palace has repeatedly said that the DAP is nothing but savings from the budget realigned to other programs and projects designed to accelerate spending and boost the economy. 

In an interview with dzRH radio, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Herminio Coloma lamented that the discussion on the DAP has branched out to other issues, saying that there was a need to promote a better understanding of the program.  

At least 6 petitions have been filed questioning the legality of the DAP before the High Court

Petitioners argue it violates the Congress’ constitutional mandate of having the sole power to allocate funds. – Rappler.com

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