The Department of National Defense on Thursday denied allegations that it has a P66.4-billion 'pork barrel' fund in the 2015 budget saying the lump sum appropriations for the agency were clearly shown and carefully allocated.
DND spokesman Peter Galvez said the P55.4-billion fund for the agency included in the Lump Sum Appropriations under the General Appropriations Act is being held by the Department of Budget and Management and will be subject to the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) only when certain conditions are met.
“Most of these funds are for the pensions of veterans and retired personnel,” he said in a press statement.
He added that since the total number of veterans and retirees would be difficult to predict accurately because of personal discretion and individual preferences, the fund is designed to cover the gap in the allocated budget for pensions and benefits
Former Sen. Panfilo Lacson had earlier claimed that about P424 billion in the 2015 national budget was allotted as lump sum budget or discretionary funds to some government agencies.
Galvez said there is also a P2.018-billion allocation for unfilled positions under the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefit Fund (MPBF), as stipulated in Page 1494 of the GAA of 2015.
Meanwhile, a total of P10 billion is for unprogrammed projects under the AFP Modernization Program, as provided for in Page 1512 of the GAA 2015.
“This amount is meant for new modernization projects that are still awaiting approval,” Galvez stated.
He also said that P42.377 billion for the Pension Gratuity Fund (PGF) is detailed in page 1501 of the GAA 2015.
“Under this item, P32.480 billion is programmed for the General Headquarters, while P9.897 billion is for the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office,” he said.
Galvez said an amount of P10 billion is also provided for in the GAA to fund the benefits of military and civilian personnel of the AFP who will avail of optional retirement from the service.
“As we have always reiterated, the Department of National Defense is transparent with all of its programs, most especially its budget appropriation. This in line with Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin’s directive to the department to ensure all its affairs are above-board and in accordance with law,” he said.
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