Lacson Flags P5-B for Farm-to-Market Roads Using Bayanihan 2 Funds

 Senator and Partido Reporma presidential standard bearer Panfilo "Ping" Lacson flagged on Monday that P5 billion intended for the government's Covid-19 response was instead used to fund the implementation of farm-to-market road projects under the Agriculture Stimulus Package of Bayanihan 2.

- During his interpellation for the DA’s budget, Lacson asked what the connection was between farm-to-market roads and the government's response to the Covid pandemic.

- Sen. Cynthia Villar, who was sponsoring the DA's budget, replied it could be for improving logistics - triggering laughter inside the Senate session hall.

- To this, Lacson replied that it was no joking matter as they were talking about the national budget of the Philippines. 

- Also, Lacson questioned the 17-percent increase in the DA's funding for Agri-Machinery, Equipment, Facilities, and Infrastructure program from P11.3 billion to P13.32 billion - with the bulk of the increase for farm-to-market roads from P4.98 billion under the National Expenditure Program to P6.95 billion under the House version of the budget bill.

- When asked about such increases, the DA denied being looped into the details of the projects.

- Lacson noted that it is a "perennial problem" for agencies like the DA getting added funds for projects like farm-to-market roads but not being consulted about them. 

- He added that while budget preparations are tedious, money often gets lost “at the snap of a finger.”

- Meanwhile, Lacson reiterated his call for proper funding for research and development, noting DA Secretary William Dar is also an advocate of research.