By Azer Parrocha/PNA
MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has asked the Commission on Audit (COA) to avoid making decisions that cause “gridlocks” in government projects, noting that the country needs more investments.
“That’s my dream for everybody and that we can improve the economy. That’s why I said I have to talk to so many people. COA. One kasi nag — may ginawang gridlock (One, because, there seems to be a gridlock),” Duterte said Monday night in a speech during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Malacañang.
Duterte said COA should “invent” decisions that allow projects and investments to come in the country.
“Instead of rendering an opinion that blocks the project, why don’t you just invent if you have to? Find the words to allow the investments here because we need the money,” Duterte said.
In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson clarified that what Duterte meant by “invent” was evaluating whether the agency’s decision to block projects are within what the law prescribes.
“What he (the President) means by ‘invent’ is you try to evaluate whether or not your opposition or your auditing are within what the law prescribes. Because you maybe misreading the provision of the law,” Panelo said.
Panelo said he did not know which particular project Duterte was referring to but emphasized that there may be a need to change certain regulations that instead of helping “may restrict and scare away investments.”
Duterte, meanwhile, reminded COA to be “sane enough” to know about the constitutional prohibition on dishonoring contractual obligations.
“The Philippines has been known as a country which does not honor contractual obligations. And yet, COA, if you are listening now, should be reasonable and sane enough to know that in the Constitution, impairment of the obligation of contracts are not allowed,” Duterte said.
