Statement by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon
on the Supreme Court's ruling on the PDAF

"We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) unconstitutional. We will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court."

"The highest court's decision is moot and academic insofar as the Senate is concerned, as the senators have already waived their use of the remaining PDAF for 2013. Also, a majority of the senators, at least 15 of us, have already decided to fully delete the PDAF in the 2014 budget, which in effect will lower the country's budget deficit pegged at P266.2 billion."

"With this decision, we are now eyeing the passage of a supplemental budget for 2013 - and we will thereafter urge the President to certify it as urgent - in the amount of P14.5 billion representing the unutilized PDAF for 2013, which the executive may use to bolster its relief operations and rehabilitation of areas affected by the recent calamities, particularly typhoon Yolanda, Santi, Labuyo, and as well as the siege in Zamboanga City and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Visayas."

"I believe the SC decision reinforces the government's efforts to reform the country's political system and likewise affirms the Senate's position that PDAF must be abolished."

"Everybody is stepping in the right direction, as the abolition of PDAF system should be the start of more reforms aimed at curbing corruption and misuse of taxpayers' money."

"With the abolition of PDAF, we will also dismantle the system of political patronage that has stunted socio-economic development and allowed a few to maintain their political dominance in certain areas."

"The Senate will see to it that henceforth, all officials shall adhere to laws and rules and regulations governing the use of public funds."