Like district congressmen, party list reps enjoy perks

by SHERRIE ANN TORRES VERA Files (Conclusion)

From Malaya

Link: http://www.malaya.com.ph/03312010/news11.html

When it comes to the perks of being a lawmaker, party list representatives are no different from congressional district representatives.

Every month, they, too, receive a monthly salary of P35,000. Every year, each of them are also entitled to P70 million from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and at least P30 million from Public Works Fund, more popularly known as "pork-barrel funds."

Then there are the so-called "extras"–at least for those who align themselves with the powers-that-be.

Some party list representatives admit receiving a monthly allowance from the Office of the Speaker. They get additional "bonuses" when the passage of Malacanang-sponsored bills is being rushed. The sums range from P100,000 to P250,000 per vote, depending on the importance of the bill, according to congressional sources.

The opportunity to travel abroad for free, either by invitation of groups abroad or by hosts within the House of Representatives, is also something the party list representatives look forward to.

Because of these privileges, many among the party list representatives prefer to stick it out with the majority bloc. As a result, the party list representatives are divided into three groups–pro-administration, the opposition and hard-line opposition.

Those who have chosen to stand up for their principles say they have had to pay a stiff price.

Luzviminda Ilagan of the militant group Gabriela has not received the PDAF since she assumed office in 2007. Nonrelease of the pork barrel funds to militant congressmen began when they vigorously pushed for President Arroyo’s impeachment in 2005 following the "Hello, Garci" scandal, she said.

Like Ilagan, Gabriela’s Liza Maza, Bayan Muna’s Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casino and Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano have not been getting their yearly pork barrel fund.

Palace to LP senatorial bet: Take a rest

by Aytch S. de la Cruz (The Daily Tribune)

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20100225nat3.html

Malacañang yesterday urged the Liberal Party (LP) senatorial candidate, Risa Hontiveros, to consider the option of taking a rest from running after the Chief Executive, assuming that her plan to file a motion for reconsideration does not prosper.

“She (Hontiveros) can pursue the case against the President — she can file any kind of motion... But I am sure that motion for reconsideration will be denied also (by the SC) and I know that Ms. Hontiveros is aware that her case is not going anywhere,” Arroyo’s counsel, Romulo Macalintal, told a press conference.

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar, for his part, said: “If you (Hontiveros) are going to insist on doing something which you know you have a right to do so but at the same time are aware of the fact that it is not going anywhere, in this case, it only goes to show that you’re just doing it to gain continuous publicity.”