Seven out of 10 or 73% of Boholanos believed that “pork barrel scam” or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) anomaly has taken place and hit an awareness level of as high as 79%, this according to the latest Bohol Poll 2014.  The same survey showed that a vast Boholano majority are not convinced that former and present Boholano officials are allegedly linked to the PDAF anomaly but only a handful are.  The respondents of the survey have identified the officials who are linked to the pork barrel scam and not the interviewers, Ms. Maria Paz Jimenez Espiritu, one of the presenters of the survey results last week, said.  The officials include former congressman and now Gov. Edgar Chatto, who got 19% in Boholanos' awareness allegedly linking him to the anomaly. Incumbent Rep. Arthur C. Yap had 16%; former congressman Atty. Roberto Cajes, 11%; former congressman and now Securities and Exchange Commissioner Atty. Eladio M. Jala, 7%; his son former congressman and now city councilor Atty. Adam Relson Jala, 4%; incumbent Rep. Rene L. Relampagos, 2%; and former congressman and governor Atty. Erico B. Aumentado, one percent. Those who said they don't know, 31%, the survey showed. Chatto got 10% of the Boholanos who are convinced he is allegedly linked to the anomaly; 23% of them do not believe; 12% has little belief and a hefty 55% remained undecided, the survey said.  Arthur Yap's rating of his alleged involvement in the scam: “Dako ang pagtuo”-14% of the respondents; “Wala motou” -- 13%; “Undecided”-- 65%; and “Gamay ang pagtu-o”-- 8%. The respondents gave him a hefty 50% in 2nd district; 1st district, 20%; and 3rd dist., 6%, the survey said.

 The same survey said that Cajes posted “Dako ang pagtuo”-- 10%; “Wala motuo”-- 12%; “undecided”-- 53%; and “gamay ang pagtuo”-- 20%.  SEC commissioner Atty. Eladio Jala had zero percent in “Dako ang pagtuo;” “Wala Motuo”-- 16%; “Undecided”--74%; and “Gamay ang pagtuo”-- 11%. City councilor Atty. Adam Relson Jala: “Dakong Pagtuo”-- 4%; “Wala motuo”-- 8%; “undecided”-- 61%; and “Gamay ang pagtuo”--28%.  Aumentado's involvement in the alleged scam: “Dako ang pagtuo”–12%; “Wala Motuo”--42%; “Undecided” – 55%; and “Gamay ang pagtuo” – zero%, the survey said.  The percentage (73%) awareness level of the Boholanos on PDAF is an offshoot of the following qaustion: “Adunay anomaliya nga nahitabo sa paggamit sa pork barrel kon PDAF diin ang pundo gipaagi sa mga dili lehitimo nga NGOs o non-government organizations.”  Under the awareness level of the PDAF, 90% of the Boholanos is recorded in 3rd district of the province but low in 2nd district with 67%. Tagbilaran City had awareness level of 84%; and 1st district, 77%.

Meanwhile, the performance of the provincial government in curbing graft and corruption is in the net negative two (-2) after deducting 32%  who are “dissatisfied” from 30% “satisfied.” A big chunk or 38% remained “undecided,” the survey said.  Only in 1st district that the province posted a net positive twelve (+12%) with 40% “satisfied” minus 28 “dissatisfied.” Thirty-two percent (32%) of the Boholanos are still “undecided.”  The respondents gave the provincial government a net -15% in curbing corruption; net zero percent in 2nd district; and -10% in 3rd district, the survey said. Among the age bracket, only 35-44 gave the province +8%, the rest all negative: 18-24 years old – negative seven (-7%); 25-34 --- negative two (-2%); and 45-above --- negative six (-6%).  City government performance against graft and corruption is at net negative one (-1). Thirty six (36%) percent were “dissatisfied” and 35% “satisfied” while 36% “undecided.” (RVO)