Statement by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon expresses his complete support for President Aquino and Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad amidst political attacks hurled against them after the Supreme Court declared the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional.

The President, with the help of Secretary Abad, has implemented a number of economic reforms and anti-corruption measures, which were not possible in previous administrations.

These reform measures, made possible under the leadership of President Aquino, resulted in improved investor confidence and an attractive business climate, which were translated into more job and education opportunities, improved health and basic social services and more infrastructure projects.

It was only directly due to President Aquino and Abad's efforts that the country now enjoys its highest credit rating despite the damages left by numerous calamities.

It is also under the initiative of Secretary Abad that genuine reforms towards a more open and transparent national budgetary process and improved procurement procedures have been effectively implemented.

Notwithstanding the SC's ruling, the DAP was fully used to improve the economy, and was not used as a mechanism for corruption or abuse.

Finally, the SC ruling on the DAP does not take away the achievements made by the Aquino administration especially in terms of uplifting the economy, improving transparency and accountability, and fighting corruption in government.