Health group condemns DAP and the dictatorial aspirations of PNoy

By Health Alliance for Democracy
August 15, 2014

QUEZON CITY – Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) today will lead various health groups in calling for the abolition of all pork barrel funds and lump sum appropriations like the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) through a mass action that will be held at the entrance of the Philippine General Hospital along Taft Avenue at 4:00 pm.

The health group is strongly protesting the continuing implementation of the pork barrel system by the Aquino administration, albeit in other forms, especially in the light of the recent exposé involving health undersecretary Janette Garin.

“President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is proving himself to be an incorrigible liar as he continues to undermine the Supreme Court’s decision declaring DAP unconstitutional,” said Dr. Geneve Rivera-Reyes, HEAD secretary-general.

According to transcripts of an executive meeting with legislators, Usec. Garin instructed legislators on how the bulk funds of the Department of Health’s Medical Assistance Program can be used for their benefit. Even if the money is with the DOH, it will be the legislators who will decide who can use the funds, virtually giving them control over its use.

“The Medical Assistance Program, which is aimed mainly to perpetuate the kind of patronage politics Aquino needs to prop up support for his sagging popularity,” Reyes added.

The health group is also condemning all talks on Charter change, especially one that will allow Aquino to have a second term of office. Aquino has openly supported calls to change the Philippine Constitution under the pretext of curbing the power of the Supreme Court.

According to Reyes, the DAP should now also be referred to as the “Dictatorial Aspirations of PNoy”.

“The Aquino presidency is characterized economically by non-inclusive growth and politically by a wanton betrayal of public trust. Only power-hungry politicians with vested interests will seek to extend such a regime!”, Reyes warned.

“The people are demanding for the ouster of Aquino, not term-extension, as he has pursued policies and programs inimical to the interests of the people. He and his cohorts should be held accountable for their crimes against the people.”