Scrap PDAF; better use some funds to rehab Manila-to-Legazpi railway
By all means, junk the Priority Development Assistance Fund and reallocate it to support worthy projects like the rehabilitation and reopening of the PNR (Philippine National Railways) Manila-to-Legazpi line. We Bicolanos have always patronized the trains for their convenience, comfort and affordability despite their perennial delays due to poor tracks.
But first things first! Let us make sure that the irregularities that have been recently disallowed by the Commission on Audit (e.g., the supply and distribution of crushed rock ballast—P43.7 million; the procurement of inferior railroad ties—P50 million) are investigated by the Ombudsman and those responsible charged before the Sandiganbayan. The early resolution of these cases will deter those concerned from straying from the “Matuwid na Daambakal”
—RAMON J. JIMENEZ,
