President Rodrigo Duterte has assured local officials of equal budget distribution in all provinces, saying he is not favoring government projects in his hometown and bailiwick Davao City where he was its former mayor.
Addressing the newly elected officials of organization of cities, barangays and provinces, Duterte on Tuesday night said funds will be distributed proportionately in all local government units.
“The money of the people of the Republic of the Philippines will be equally divided proportionately,” Duterte said in his speech.
He also said that party differences and alliances of local chief executives do not affect the budget distribution.
“You’d notice that we have been very sparing in our distribution. The big projects are here and I don’t even know who are the congressmen, who are the governors there,” he said.
“So whatever it is, you will have your share. All are equal. I am the President of all. I do not choose party. I’ve been mayor for 23 years. I do not indulge in such trivial matter,” he added.
His statement came after he had approved the P4.1-trillion national budget during the Cabinet meeting on Monday.
Duterte, the first chief executive from Mindanao, also said his hometown and bailiwick Davao City was not favored in government projects.
“Budget must be spread. And if you’d notice Davao is not even one of those given the privilege. I even delay the airport because I said the airports of provinces should be built first so there would be no criticisms,” he said.
Duterte held the mayoral post in the Davao City for more than two decades. His children Paolo, Sara, and Sebastian currently serves as congressman, mayor, and vice mayor of the city.