This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2013-11-19 |
PERLAS-BERNABE, J. |
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| In 1950, it has been documented[15] that post-enactment legislator participation broadened from the areas of fund release and realignment to the area of project identification. During that year, the mechanics of the public works act was modified to the extent that the discretion of choosing projects was transferred from the Secretary of Commerce and Communications to legislators. "For the first time, the law carried a list of projects selected by Members of Congress, they 'being the representatives of the people, either on their own account or by consultation with local officials or civil leaders.'"[16] During this period, the pork barrel process commenced with local government councils, civil groups, and individuals appealing to Congressmen or Senators for projects. Petitions that were accommodated formed part of a legislator's allocation, and the amount each legislator would eventually get is determined in a caucus convened by the majority. The amount was then integrated into the administration bill prepared by the Department of Public Works and Communications. Thereafter, the Senate and the House of Representatives added their own provisions to the bill until it was signed into law by the President the Public Works Act.[17] In the 1960's, however, pork barrel legislation reportedly ceased in view of the stalemate between the House of Representatives and the Senate.[18] | |||||