By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Ang mga binabanggit ni Mayor Baste, alam po natin na ito ay walang katotohanan.”
In a briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro lashed at the tirades of Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte during the Reform Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (RAGE) Coalition rally over the weekend.
Castro began her remarks by criticizing the opposition’s lack of awareness on the various government initiatives that address the most pressing national issues, especially those concerning the prevailing energy emergency in the country.
She emphasized the government’s seriousness in its campaign against the proliferation of illegal drugs, even sharing a visual aid showcasing a recent operation in Davao City that led to the confiscation of P15.6 million worth of methamphetamine (shabu), which contradicts the pronouncements of the city’s local chief executive.
Malacañang’s mouthpiece replied on allegations of suppressing political opposition, “Ang pagbibigay ng kalayaan at hindi pagsawata at hindi pagkitil sa mga taga-media at iba nating mga kababayan ng kanilang karapatan, lalong lalo na itong freedom of the press and freedom of expression—hindi po ito sinasawata ng Pangulo. Mas naramdaman ito sa panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte.”
Palace quashes ‘Zero Budget’ claims for Davao City
Meanwhile, Castro refuted the allegations made by Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, claiming that Davao City has received ‘zero budget’ over the past four years.
She also asked why flooding persists in Davao City despite having P51 billion in funds allocated for flood control projects.
Reading a statement issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), she pointed out that Mindanao’s metropolis received at least P7.856 billion in funds based on records for Fiscal Year 2023-2026.
The statement outlined the composition of the city’s funds, “P7.044 billion came from identified NGA Programs and Projects, including farm-to-market roads, health facilities, justice and civil defense facilities, PRC infrastructure, DPWH infrastructure programs, basic education facilities, the DSWD-11 learning institute, and the Davao Public Transport Modernization project.
An additional P146.21 million came from LGSF project-type support, including financial assistance to LGUs, the barangay development program, and the Green, Green, Green program.”
Castro concluded by emphasizing that Davao City remains one of the cities and areas that are being looked after by the government and the administration.
av
