A progressive lawmaker yesterday demanded from the Department of Energy (DOE) an explanation on Commission on Audit (COA) findings that some P20.9 billion in Malampaya funds have yet to be accounted for.
At yesterday’s budget hearing for the DOE, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said Congress must now use its oversight powers to look into this mess, saying that the DOE and other state agencies involved in the Malampaya project should help locate the huge cash.
Zarate said that based on the COA report, at least P20.9 billion in government earnings from the Malampaya gas fields have yet to be fully accounted for by the government.
Where did the funds go and who authorized the disbursements?” Zarate asked the DOE.
Reacting to Zarate’s inquisition, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi denied that his department had something to do with the COA findings.
“We are not the custodian of those projects, if there is any. We are not part of the process of allocating funds,” Cusi said.
Natatandaan nating mga nakaraang taon ay ilang grupo ang nag protesta upang panagutin si dating pangulong pnoy aguino sa malampaya funds.
sources: Manila Bulleten / News5