Pork rechanneling: a guide for solons

It is very disappointing that there are some congressmen who seem to be unaware of the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) regarding scholarships for poor but deserving students by local government units (LGUs) such that they would dare the public: “Who’ll pay for ‘pork’ scholars? solon asks” (Inquirer, 9/12/13).

RA 7160 expressly provides for the establishment of a scholarship fund for poor but deserving students residing within the LGUs and enrolled in schools located within their respective jurisdictions. I suggest that the pork barrel funds intended for the scholars of the congressmen be passed on to the LGUs on top of their internal revenue allotments. Let the local school boards, as one of the special bodies in LGUs, set forth the guidelines and criteria as to who should qualify for the scholarship program.

As to the question of medical assistance, the congressmen can entrust the selection of the recipients to the local health boards of the LGUs. On matters of funding infrastructure projects, they can entrust the same to the local development councils.

How I wish our congressmen and senators should find time to carefully read the provisions of RA 7160. They should focus more on their role as legislators and not unduly usurp the functionaries of the executive and LGUs.

—REGINALD B. TAMAYO,

assistant city council secretary,

Marikina City