Across the Philippines on Monday, "National Heroes Day," tens of thousands of people turned out to demonstrate against discretionary funds given to lawmakers that critics say are not being used as intended and instead are funneled to corrupt organizations. On this national holiday, throngs of protestors turned out in the heart of the capital, screaming that stolen riches be returned to the people. Dark clouds threatened rain, but thousands of college students and middle- and working- class citizens of all ages joined in the various chants and screams against what they call “pork barrel” spending. Its official name is the Priority Development Assistance Fund. The funds, disbursed by the executive branch for legislators, are supposed to be earmarked for development projects across the country. But in the spring, investigators found a handful of senators had instead put the funds into bogus non-government agencies. The misappropriated funds totaling $226 million were used from 2007 through 2009. News of the investigation sparked public outcry, which culminated in Monday’s multiple protests.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 21:49:07 +0000
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