P500-M Esperon project graft-infested; P170M lost
By Michaela P. del Callar 05/27/2010 A P500-million project for rebel returnees initiated by former Peace Process Adviser retired Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, a close ally of President Arroyo, is infested by graft with P170 million worth of funds unaccounted for, current Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Annabelle Abaya told reporters yesterday. Abaya bared “systemic corruption” involving senior and mid-level officials in her office, saying millions of pesos have been wasted on pay-offs, illegal disbursements, and illegitimate purchase of vehicles. Speaking to a select group of journalists in her office in Pasig City, Abaya said she uncovered at least P170-million worth of funds intended for the government’s P500-million rebel integration program missing and unaccounted for. The budget for the Social Integration Program (SIP), a pet project of Esperon, was released in two tranches amounting to P250 million each since 2009. “I found out that the first half of the budget was (completed) in one year. Only 36 percent went to the intended recipients. The rest were unauthorized purchases of cars, set-up and beautification of offices, representation, travel, supplies, and other expenditures still being figured out to this day,” Abaya said. Under the program, rebel returnees are given P20,000 each upon their ‘surrender’ and an additional P50,000 for the turnover of weapons with promises of jobs and livelihood projects. On top of the missing funds, Abaya also disclosed that money in allowances, bonuses, and perks were liberally given in the OPAPP but not in accordance to law while documentation was either missing or defective. Source: The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100527hed2.html |
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