Rama wants infra funds decentralized

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday suggested to decentralize the funds for infrastructure projects to avoid duplication.

Rama made the suggestion in answer to the question of how to address the problem of having redundant projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Whatever money the government has, give it to the LGU (local government unit). The LGU has primarily the knowledge as to what projects they need. Decentralize it,” Rama told reporters.

He added that he has been espousing for a change in the system especially with Congressmen having the discretion where and how to spend their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

“These people’s job description is to create law. They are called lawmakers. Why are they entitled to do as they please with their pork barrel? It should be the LGU that is given this power,” he added.

Under his proposal, DPWH will no longer implement the projects funded by Congressmen but will merely monitor its progress, if it is in accordance with the proper protocol, and providing technical assistance to LGU.

His suggestion of decentralization, he explained, would in turn empower the barangay level whose officials he wanted to become “little mayors.”

“Why keep the power when you can empower? If we empower the barangay level, our role will now be like that of a CEO. Occasionally meeting the barangay leaders to check how they are going about developing their locality. That is what I envision,” Rama said.

With this, shared power would also mean “avoiding the emergence of dictatorship.”

“Just like the advocacy of my congressman Aristotle Batuhan. Go down and check what is needed in the local level,” he added.  (FREEMAN)