Makati Mayor and United Opposition (UNO) Vice Presidential candidate Jejomar C. Binay Sunday urgedon watchdog organizations to keep an eye on funds released by four government agencies – the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Budget Management (DBM), amid information that funding from these agencies may be allegedly diverted to the campaign kitty of some candidates for the May 10 polls.

In particular, Binay expressed surprise about the alleged releases of funds from Pagcor at the rate of about P200 million for unknown purposes.

He said the DBM has been attacked by watchdog Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI) for alleged withholding of up to P140 billion in appropriations for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Health (DoH), freezing the procurement of vital equipment such as autoclaves and surgical facilities.

“Where has the P140 billion gone?” Binay asked, adding that the DBM has kept mum on the disappearance of this big sum.

“We note the possibility that billions of public funds were suddenly released for infrastructure programs in a last-two minute spending of the administration,” Binay claimed. “If these reports are true, then it would mean that the funds intended for development projects, education projects, agriculture projects and infrastructure projects are allegedly being used once again for political purposes,” Binay claimed.

Binay further claimed that more than P1.7 billion in funds for agrarian reform had been disbursed by the DAR, with more than P400 million downloaded to an influential family in Maguindanao even if the province is not covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Binay urged a thorough investigation on the use of funds for the P43.7- billion FIELDS program of the DA, noting that farmers themselves have accused top officials of buying flatbed dryers at P700,000 each, when such equipment isng sold in Bukidnon at only P270,000 each.