Palace working on list of losing GOCCs — Lacierda

Malacañang reassured lawmakers on Saturday it will give them a detailed list of government-owned and controlled corporations that are losing, once it completes its study. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said there is no conflict between Malacañang’s and Congress’ efforts to rationalize the continued operation of these troubled GOCCs. “It’s a matter of coordination. If it is requested by the legislative branch, I’m sure the executive branch will be happy to provide a list," Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio. Earlier, Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara asked the Palace for a detailed report on which GOCCs are losing, to guide lawmakers as they decide on which firms should continue getting public funds for their operations and which should be privatized. Angara said he has no problem with reports that one-third of the P1.64-trillion budget for 2011 will go to the GOCCs, but he voiced concerns over fat perks for GOCC executives. Meanwhile, Lacierda noted President Benigno Aquino III issued an executive order on the rationalization of GOCCs. “A study on GOCCs will be done and their records are being reviewed. I’m sure once [the results] come out, the Finance and Budget Departments will submit the list of troubled GOCCs to Congress," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV