KIKO TO MALACAÑANG:
Be Prudent with 400 M School Repair Fund

"With just 3 weeks left in the campaign period, we cannot help but question the timing of the government's release of a P400M school repair fund. We do not question the purpose of these aids, but the timeliness of its release is rather controversial and seemingly imprudent of the government, given that we are still in the election period and that they are heavily campaigning for their own bets. Will it make a lot of difference if it was released after the May 14 polls? We should ensure that this mid-term election is sanitized from issues of malfeasance and corruption. We should note that the clean conduct of this election is the biggest challenge of the government, the Comelec and all candidates are facing, after allegations of cheating in the 2004 elections. Every act that involves the release of government funds in an election period is subject to public criticism, and given our situation, even public cynicism. This is not constructive to our democracy.

The alleged corruption and electioneering purpose of Philhealth cards issued during the 2004 elections and the Fertilizer Fund's mismanagement on the same period should be enough reason to be cautious and vigilant against emergency funds being released during election."