Sotto: ‘Anti-epal’ law important to ending patronage politics

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto on Monday, 29 December, said an "anti-epal" special provision is very important towards ending political patronage.

On Sunday, 28 December, the recently concluded bicameral conference committee hearing saw the adoption of a special provision, including Section 78 of the General Provisions, which includesa prohibition on political involvement in the distribution of cash and other types of financial aid.

"This is very important in eliminating the issue of patronage politics," Sotto told reporters in an ambush interview on Monday, 29 December.

"It's important that those provisions are there so that once and for all, Filipinos can see that we allowed those things to help with their medical expenses," he added.

Sotto said this is to prevent politicians from interfering in the distribution of aid, including the granting of Guarantee Letters using their names.

He also assured that the Senate will perform oversight functions in the implementation of the national budget in 2026 to ensure that it is corruption-free.

"Every now and then, the Committee on Finance should have a team to oversee how the budget is spent, where it is spent, and how much has been spent. This is especially those with controversial issues," he added.