PNoy dedicates new DBM building to late Budget chief Boncodin

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday dedicated a newly-constructed building of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in honor of the late DBM Secretary Emilia Boncodin. Boncodin died on March 15, 2010 at age 55 due to complications arising from her body’s rejection of a kidney that was donated in 2005. The DBM Building II was named Emilia T. Boncodin Hall in honor of Boncodin's exemplary contributions to the government and for her being an honest civil servant, Malacañang said in a statement Tuesday. “The President unveiled the marker of the four-storey DBM Building II as part of the department’s tribute to the first death anniversary of the late Budget Secretary. The construction of the DBM Building II was completed on March 10, 2010," the Palace said. During a simple program, Aquino presented a plaque of appreciation to Boncodin’s mother Cristeta. Calling her an “icon of public service," Aquino hailed Boncodin for her dedication to live simply, adding she left public service for almost 20 years but untouched by any whiff of scandal. In 2005, Boncodin was among the Cabinet members and senior government officials — collectively known as the Hyatt 10 — who withdrew support for then President Gloria Arroyo at the height of the "Hello Garci" scandal, where taped conversations indicated that Arroyo may have cheated in the 2004 presidential race. Many members of the Hyatt 10 are now in Aquino’s Cabinet. Consultant Aquino also noted that as government official, Boncodin was also a professional lecturer of the National College of Public Administration and Governance at the University of the Philippines and Lyceum of the Philippines. Boncodin also served as Aquino’s budget consultant when he was a senator. Aquino recalled that Boncodin helped him to implement reforms to ensure that no single centavo will be diverted into the pocket of erring government officials. He said Boncodin also initiated the Philippine National Budget Monitoring Network that gave civil society organizations role to become watchdog of public funds. Aquino also recalled that as DBM chief during Arroyo administration, Boncodin disclosed the irregularity in the appropriations and use of “unprogrammed fund" in the national budget and the realignment of debt service appropriations to fund programs. — KBK, GMA News