MANILA – Malacañang does not believe the planned shift to a federal government will have any adverse effect on the economy.
The Duterte administration has discussed and clarified this with the National Economic and Development Authority, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said on Wednesday.
“Our budget would remain the same, as identified national projects would be devolved and transferred to the internal revenue allotment of local government units,” Roque explained.
These projects, he said, would include maintenance of barangay roads and bridges, water supply services, barangay health centers and day care centers, and solid waste disposal systems of towns.
“The role of the national government would be to continue to implement Build, Build, Build projects and would hence be concentrated on policymaking,” the Palace official said.
On Tuesday Sen. Risa Hontiveros questioned the economic viability of a federal government.
She noted that economic managers themselves were wary of the plan, noting that majority of the proposed federal regions are not economically prepared./PN
