MANILA – Amid calls for the abolition of priority development assistance fund (PDAF) or pork barrel, actor-host Luis Manzano believes it would be better if Filipinos push for a more transparent government instead.
Explaining his stand, Manzano, the son of Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, said: “Para sa akin, it (pork bareel) is not innately evil. It is a source of temptation definitely sa laki ng perang umiikot sa pork barrel. However, iisipin din natin na marami ding natulungan ang pork barrel. Maraming mga eskwelahan, mga ospital, mga kalye kung gamitin ng tama.”
However, he clarified that he supports that those behind the pork barrel scam should be held liable.
“Sa akin, mas gusto ko na may transparency. Gusto ko better check and balance. Gusto ko this time may managot sa nangyari. Kung puwede nga lang, sa akin every taxpayer, gusto ko may access siya sa mga transaction ng LGU. Para sa akin, it’s freedom of information. Para sa akin not necessarily abolish, but transparency and check and balance,” he said.
Manzano said lawmakers should not steal the money of the public, who elected them in office.
Asked whether his being vocal about his opinion on the pork barrel issue is an indication that he wants to join politics someday, the Kapamilya host said: “Every cent counts, especially if para talaga sa bayan. I just have a stand. Not just because you have a stand means you’re entitled to run or you deserve to run.”
Last Auguest 26, local celebrities joined thousands of Filipinos in calling for the abolition of the pork barrel during the Million People March at the Rizal Park.
Several celebrities including Ogie Alcasid, Bianca Gonzales and Jim Paredes also took to social media to express their support for the protest.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/05/13/luis-manzano-shares-stand-pork-barrel-issue
