Fact Check: Sonny Angara on PDAF Spending

by Dr. Corinna Frances Cabanilla

During ABS-CBN’s Harapan 2013 Senatoral Debate held in La Consolacion College, Team Pnoy candidate Sonny Angara was asked during the question and answer segment how much of his pork barrel will he be allotting to aid the poor. Angara’s answer drew upon his experience in the House, claiming that as congressman he spent 1/3 (33.33%) of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), popularly known as “pork barrel” on education, 1/3 (33.33%) on health and 1/3 (33.33%) on infrastructure.

Estimating the distribution of Sonny Angara’s PDAF based on Department of Budget and Management PDAF releases reveals the following:

• For 2009, Sonny Angara’s PDAF amounts to PhP 13,100,000. Of this amount, 31% is allotted for education, 39% on health and 31% on infrastructure.
• For 2010, the records show that out of his PhP 23,700,000.00 PDAF, 34% was spent on education, 26% on health, 21% on welfare and 19% on infrastructure.
• For 2011, Angara’s PhP 70,000,000 PDAF was allotted to education (24%), health (9%), welfare (10%) and infrastructure (57%).
• For 2012, his PhP 54,000,000.00 PDAF was distributed as follows: 11% education, 5% on health, 10% on welfare and 74% on infrastructure
• For 2013, out of the PhP 50,000,000.00 PDAF, 12% was allotted for education, 11% on health, 18% on welfare and 59% on infrastructure

[1] Education includes financial assistance for implementation of scholarships and education programs and projects (ie. Alternative Learning System, sports-related/ sports development programs and projects, seminars, trainings)

[2] Health includes financial assistance for indigent patients (confined or out-patients) and health related programs (ie. feeding programs, medical missions and assistance) coursed or availed through health institutions (ie. National Children’s Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, PGH, Philippine Orthopedic Center etc.)

[3] Welfare includes financial assistance for indigent patients, displaced families, senior citizens, relief assistance and other social services

[4] Infrastructure includes construction, repair and/ or rehabilitation/ improvement of physical structures (ie. FTMR, flood control, multi-purpose buildings, roads, pavements, drainage, bridges, water systems, classrooms and school buildings, etc.)

Corrina Frances Cabanilla, PhD is a professor at the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), UP Diliman. She also works at the Center for Policy and Executive Development (CPED).