Aquino’s pork usesCritics of President Aquino have also accused him of deploying pork barrel funds to force the ouster of former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez (who resigned before the start of her Senate trial) and former Chief Justice Renato Corona as well as push for the passage of the reproductive health bill and the amendments to the sin tax law (lawmakers were enticed with pork to attend a session and ensure a quorum).
With 289 members in Congress, only 96 votes are needed to carry an impeachment case against the President to the Senate where at least two-thirds have declared publicly, for now, that they supported the President’s move to abolish the pork barrel.
But Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone was doubtful whether an impeachment case would prosper against the President in retaliation for his decision.
“I don’t think any move of the opposition to initiate an impeachment will fly just because of the abolition of the pork barrel. In the first place, the majority coalition supports the decision made by PNoy. Second, the abolition of the pork barrel is very popular with the people,†Evardone said.
Bello has some advice for lawmakers grumbling about the imminent loss of their pork.
“If members of Congress had any sense, they should just surrender on the PDAF issue and concentrate on legislation. Or if they’re interested in getting rich, they should just quit Congress and join the private sector or join the Abu Sayyaf in the hostage-taking business. In fact, what (fugitive Janet Lim) Napoles’ accomplices in Congress engaged in was pirate capitalism that is hardly different from the entrepreneurial activities of the Abu Sayyaf,†Bello said.
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