About 5 solons allocate part of their ‘pork barrel’ to EVRMC patients

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 23, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  About five solons and one governor in Region 8 have allocated a certain part of their priority development assistance fund (PDAF) to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC), Dr. Alberto de Leon, chief of hospital informed the Philippine Information Agency.

Dr. De Leon named the congressmen as Hon. Reynaldo Uy of the 1st district of Samar; Hon. Sharie Ann Tan of the 2nd District of Samar; Hon. Carmen Cari of the 5th District of Leyte; Hon. Bembem Noel of the An Waray Party List; and Hon. Martin Romualdez of the 1st district of Leyte.

Governor Roger Espina of the province of Biliran also allocated a certain budget to the EVRMC.

However, Dr. de Leon clarified that the EVRMC is not allowed to just disburse the funds from the various congressmen and governor. The Memorandum of Agreement is very definite that the allocation is only for the constituents of the respective congressmen, Dr. De Leon bared.

The patient, in order to be able to avail of the funds, must present an endorsement letter from the congressman which specifies up to what amount the patient is entitled to.

This should enlighten the patients who usually request to avail of their congressman’s funds at the EVRMC, without showing any proof that they are authorized or entitled to the avail of the fund.

Dr. De Leon called on the public who would like to avail of their congressmen’s hospital allocation, to first secure a letter from the Congressman, addressed to the hospital. This will prevent misunderstanding and mix-up in the future, Dr. De Leon said.