COUNCILOR Bernie Al-ag explained the video clip of his speech during the allied party rally where he alleged that Davao City would again have zero budget for its projects if the Dutertes win the May 12 elections.
In a campaign rally, the vice-mayoral candidate claimed that if Dutertes win, the national government will not allocate a budget for infrastractures.
“Kung sila (Duterte) gihapon maglingkod, sigurado ko wala sila’y makuha nga budget sa national government, kabalo mo pilay kinahanglan masulbad ang baha kinahanglan nato? At least P10 billion,” he said in the speech.
Al-ag released a statement on Tuesday explaining the context of the speech, highlighting that political differences can have a negative effect on budget allocation from the national government to the congressional districts and local government units.
He told reporters in a sideline interview he had first-hand experience where his office did not receive development funds due to conflict with Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
“Isip konsehal, nagbikil mi sa atong mayor sauna, natanggal ko sa among Hugpong nga grupo, after ato natanggalan pud kog budget, wala pud ko development fund kay dili naman mi uyon sa mayor,” Al-ag said.
He added that if a barangay captain is not aligned with the mayor, he also does not receive projects from the mayor.
“Mao na akong panawagan kay unta undangon na ning away sa national government kay apektado ang mga Dabawenyo, habang naga-away sila apektado ang serbisyo and we don’t want that to happen,” he stressed.
He reiterated that the Davaoeños deserve a budget and services from local and national governments.
He further explains that zero budget is impossible but there like would be zero funds for “extra budget” since the office is still receiving funds for operational expenses.
“Ang atoa diha is yung mga extra nga project nga makuha unta nato sa national government,” he said.
Al-ag stressed that being a city councilor he is just trying his best to source funds from the national government to provide service to its constituents.
