SPEAKER Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. gave assurances that he is working for the release of the priority development assistant funds (PDAF) or “pork barrel” of his 283 colleagues regardless of their political affiliations.

Belmonte told reporters that he is working for the release of the funds after Rep. Marc Douglas Cagas complained that they have not received their PDAF.

“I spoke with (Budget Secretary Butch) Abad over breakfast to improve the system for PDAF applications to ensure that the requirements are met before they even file it with the DBM,” he told reporters.

Contrary to the claim of Cagas, Belmonte said the Special Allotment Release Orders for the first tranche of pork barrel this year worth P35 million in soft and hard projects were released to 131 lawmakers, including members of the opposition.

The Speaker also said at least 63 lawmakers have not submitted requests for pork releases, including him and brothers Reps. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo of Ang Galing Pinoy party-list and Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo of Camarines Sur who are with the opposition.