RAGAY, Camarines Sur (Oct 11,2013) – Hundreds of supporters that include municipal and village officials from the first congressional of Camarines Sur held several rallies to give moral support to their beleaguered Congressman Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya who was Budget Secretary in the Arroyo administration and now co-accused of plunder over alleged misuse of the Malampaya fund.
The first district towns of Cabusao, Sipocot, Lupi, Del Gallego held rallies earlier; the latest rally was held yesterday (Oct. 10) in Andaya’s hometown of Ragay.
Streamers that were displayed in various locations in the said towns read: “ To Congressman “Nonoy” Andaya,” We believe in your integrity , dedication to your job, to our people and to God!. - From the people of the First District of Camarines Sur”.
Mayors in the first district of the province attest that Andaya’s social welfare funds are being spent for over a thousand scholars, medical assistance funds to the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) and subsidy to the Bicol Sanitarium, in Barcelona, Cabusao town, the only district hospital in Andaya’s turf.
Andaya’s supporters aired their dismay with the national government because of the inclusion of the former Budget Secretary in a plunder case that also include former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Janet Napoles, three former cabinet members and 20 others as respondents.
The fund in question amounts to P900 million taken from the Malampaya fund and released for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. The money allegedly found its way into Janet Napoles Non-government organizations (NGOs) that are claimed to be bogus and did not reach the intended beneficiaries.
Andaya’s statement given to local media last week was repeatedly given emphasis by his supporters:
“What’s worrisome is that we are setting a precedent wherein all those involved in the ministerial release of funds, including DBM (Department of Budget Management) officials, should be from now on become automatic co-accused in every graft cases to be filed in the country.”
The same statement was already distributed to the national media earlier. (SONNY SALES)