By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Zimmerman Duterte expressed confidence that the P2-billion budget cut for his district’s projects this year, leaving only a measly P500 million, will not significantly impact him. However, he raised suspicions of “dirty politics” being behind such a move.
“I have kept my silence all through these months since I do not want my constituents to suffer from the dirty politics in the House of Representatives,” Pulong said.
On Tuesday (January 9), Pulong lambasted the “P.I. (people’s initiative) movement” to push for “Cha-Cha” (charter change) led by Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list Representative Margarita “Atty. Migs” Nograles who’s allegedly eyeing the Davao City mayoralty post in 2025.
He called it a scheme by a few individuals to consolidate power rather than a true reflection of the people’s will.
“I am against this people’s initiative as this is not the people’s voice but the voice of a few who wanted to perpetuate themselves in power,” Duterte said.
The young Duterte also cried foul over the sudden and unexpected slash in his budget.
“I also would like to inform all Dabawenyos, most especially in my district, that the House leadership has taken out P2 billion from your NEP (national expenditure program) budget for the district and left only a measly P500 million for Dabawenyos this year,” the young Duterte said in a Facebook post.
He also minced no words in assailing his fellow lawmakers in the lower chamber.
“To all congressmen ganging up on us, do not give me that kind of BS because I will not starve to death if you take my budget away. Ang kawawa is yung mga Dabawenyos na bumoto kay PBBM,” Duterte quipped.
He claimed that a reliable source told him “that even the senators are explicitly requested to refrain from putting projects in my district.”
“Hindi ako luluhod sa inyo para mabigyan ng proyekto lalo na at may 30% pang kinukuha ang isang pekeng panginoon…Again, ang kawawa ay ang mahal kong mga Dabawenyo,” Pulong fumed.
(el Amigo/MNM)