By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Saying that it has committed to examine the national government’s spending habits and assess its priorities, the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs vowed to strive in its effort to resolve issues surrounding the process in the distribution of the Economic Stimulus Funds from Taiwan.
The JGA committee chaired by Delegate Kerai Mariur said in a press statement on Wednesday Feb. 14 that it questions the award process, "who determines the manner of distribution for the economic stimulus funds.
About a week, ago the committee noted that since fiscal year 2001, some states have received $1.6 million while others, like Ngechesar received $280,000 and Sonsorol $175,000.
The committee wanted to know if the distribution process is fair and equitable based on needs and population of each state, pursuant to Art. XII, Sec. 5 of the Constitution.
That particular provision sates that "except where a particular distribution is required by the terms of the assistance, all block grants and foreign aid shall be shared by the national government and all the states in a fair and equitable manner based on needs and population."
The committee said it has easily obtained information regarding US Federal Grants citing that it has received copies of the original grant award from US FAA for the Airport Runway Project.
The committee said that obtaining information regarding Taiwan grants is difficult.
The committee said that another probing question that it wants to know is if the stimulus funds given to Palau is by lump sum or by project.
Tit said that in Dec. 199, when Taiwan and Palau established diplomatic ties, Taiwan gave Palau $10 million for various capital improvement projects.
"These monies were distributed based on the distribution plan that was provided by President Nakamura to the OEK," the statement said.
The committee asked if President Remengesau received any more monies in lump sum.
"If so how much when where were the monies deposited? Were the monies dep[osited into the National Treasury, pursuant to Section 1 of Article XII?," the committee asked.
The committee said it strives to seek resolutions to these issues noting that Minister of Finance Elbuchel Sadang already appeared before a hearing, while other persons have also been invited to attend hearings.
It also said that Casmir Remengesau, the Financial Advisor for the MOF will attend a Feb. 22 hearing while Director Antonio Miekl, Bureau of Budget and Planning will attend another hearing on Feb. 23.
The committee said that laws have been established to require Performance Budgeting and Transparency in the Government.