Senator Loren Legarda, in a visit to Puerto Princesa March 12, vowed to file a resolution questioning why the national government has not yet released Palawan’s remaining share from the Malampaya gas income despite the province’s completion of all the requirements provided under an existing agreement.

“I promise I will file a resolution to inquire why the second tranche was not released to Palawan,” Legarda told the local media.

The senator was in the city to meet with the local farmers as chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

According to Legarda, Palawan has the right to receive the fund since it was promised by the national government.

“They should give the Palaweños what is due the Palaweños at the proper time. What was promised should be given,” Legarda stated.

She added that the Palawan needs the second tranche for funding of several programs and projects such as agricultural development. Support to agriculture should be focused, she said.

The second tranche share of Palawan from Malampaya was supposed to be released December last year. However, the provincial government started raising fears the share might not be released anymore because of accusations that local officials pocketed the first tranche given to them which amounted to P2.6 billion.

The provincial government, however, clarified the issue and said that the amount, divided to the two congressmen, to Puerto Princesa City, and to the provincial government itself, was already used as fund for several projects such as road constructions, school buildings, and livelihood.

In a previous statement, second district Rep. Abraham Mitra said Palawan is doing everything to follow-up on the release and had even submitted a new set of requirements required by the national government.