October 10, 2007
HON. TOMASITO MONZON
Presidential Assistant for Bicol Affairs
Offi ce of the President
Old GSIS Bldg.
Naga City
Sir:
When Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, 2007 she mentioned only two things relative to the Bicol Region: fi rst, the planned revival of the Bicol River Basin Development Program (BRBDP) with funding from the World Bank; and second, the P7 billion rehabilitation fund for Bicol which is decidedly the biggest single outlay for Bicol ever allocated by the government.
Considering the magnitude of the allocation, we expected massive prompt rehabilitation work to occur especially in the repair of damaged infrastructure. However, we have seen very little of such rehabilitation work taking place and we are wondering where such huge fund really went.
Thus far, only the DPWH Regional Offi ce has released through the newspaper PENINSULA MONITOR the list of projects it has undertaken under the P7 billion rehabilitation fund. DPWH was said to have received P1.325 billion of the P7 billion fund and the itemized list of projects has been published. But where did the balance of P5.675 go?
It is said that aside from government agencies, some LGUs received allocations from the rehabilitation fund. Which LGUs did receive and what were the bases or criteria for such direct allocation?
Since this is a fl agship undertaking of national leadership it is imperative that utmost transparency must be observed in its implementation for our people to be convinced of the sincerity and determination of the President to uplift their lives.
May I then request that all projects undertaken by different agencies and LGUs under the rehab fund of P7 billion be published in full for our people to know, appreciate and be grateful of.
Very truly yours,
ALEXIS D. SAN LUIS
Municipal Mayor
