MikeLigalig.com

By Lilybeth G. Ison

MANILA, Aug. 16 (PNA) -- Lawmakers on Monday said they will continue to display their names in projects funded by their priority development assistance fund (PDAF) or the so-called "pork barrel" for the sake of transparency and for their constituents to know where the funds went.

Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez and Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros Magsaysay, in the weekly meeting of the minority bloc of the House of Representatives, said this was the position of the group, and even some lawmakers he knows from the majority.

Both lawmakers said displaying their names on public works projects is one way of showing their constituents that they have not failed on the promises they made during the campaign period.

Suarez said they are also willing to shoulder the cost of printing their names and even their photographs and billboards, if the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will insist on implementing President Benigno S. Aquino III’s directive.

Camarines Sur Rep. Elmer Panotes said that some other politicians like mayors might claim responsibility for the project if it does not have the congressman’s name on it.

"We really need to put our names there because sometimes, the mayors display their photograph on them," he said.

If President Aquino is firm about the ban on politicians’ names on billboards, Panotes said he should ask Congress to pass a law, but stressed that this should cover all officials, from the President to the village officials.