Puno debunks allegations Congress tinkers with school building funds

House Deputy Speaker Antipolo 1st District Rep. Ronaldo Puno has debunked Vice President Sara Duterte's claim that members of Congress divide among themselves the funds under the Department of Education's (DepEd) school building program.

- By ELLSON QUISMORIO

In a press conference at the House of Representatives Friday, Aug. 28, Puno clarified that contrary to the Vice President's claims, congressmen have no say in school buildings construction.

According to him, classroom construction is determined by the DepEd's nationwide priorities and then implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

"The procedure for classroom projects is clear. You need to be on the DepEd list. You must be identified as being in a location that needs classrooms more than other areas. Once that's been determined... it goes to the DPWH, which will handle the construction," Puno, chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), said in response to a question.

He noted that the DPWH, which juggles multiple national priorities such as roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure, often takes time to implement classroom projects once DepEd has already flagged areas of need.