Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte emphasized that Davao City does not rely on the national government, addressing allegations that the city would receive “zero budget” if the Dutertes remain in power.
The issue arose after Councilor Bernie Al-ag, who is running against the mayor in the vice mayoralty race, claimed during a campaign sortie that Davao City would not receive funding from the national government if the Dutertes win in the upcoming elections.
“Mu-esplikar lang ko. Muingon man gud sila na walay budget kuno ang Davao ug kung kami ang mabutang or ang Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod. Ibutang ta lang, puwede, puwedeng dili, pero sultihan ta mo, kitang mga Dabawenyo, kaniadto pa hangtod karon wala gyud ta magsalig sa taas unya napalambo nato atong syudad, nahimong malinawon, nahimong malambuon, ug progresibo tungod sa panaghiusa ug tinabangay natong mga Dabawenyo. Mao na kung ingon ana lang naka menos ra kaayo sila sa abilidad sa Dabawenyos,” the mayor said.
Mayor Duterte criticized traditional politicians for their reliance on Manila-centric politics, arguing that governance should be decentralized.
“Kani ning mga traditional politicians they always look up to Manila-centric politics when the government is very centralized, meaning ana magsige ta ug salig ug kung unsay bahug sa taas. Musugot ba diay mo ug ingon ana na kita pirminte diri na kung na atay gusto kinahanglan ta muluhod. Dili! Mao na sukad kaniadto pa ang mga taga Davao, mga Dabawenyo kasabot ug kayod, kasabot ug respeto sa isig katao, value sa atong mga komunidad ug sa mga pamilya mao ang kita nabitbit nato ang atoang syudad, unya nahimong ingon ani karon nga kitang tanan malinawon ug malipayon,” Duterte added.
Meanwhile, Councilor Al-ag labeled the “zero budget” remark circulating online as fake news.
In a statement, Al-ag clarified that his comments were taken out of context. He explained that political differences could negatively affect budget allocation from the national government to Congressional Districts and Local Government Units.
Al-ag cited his own experience as an example, alleging that he faced difficulties obtaining permits in the city after being removed from the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod Party following the mayor’s State of the City Address (SOCA) in August 2023.
“Then my office was given Zero Development Fund until today,” Al-ag said. He also claimed that Councilor Nilo Abellera Jr. was similarly denied development funds in 2022.
“If a Barangay Captain in Davao City is not aligned with the Mayor, he also does not receive projects from the Mayor. That is the context,” Al-ag explained.
However, netizens who watched the video of Al-ag’s campaign rally speech refuted his explanation, accusing him of lying about his previous statement.
One commenter, Bisayang VA, said, “We all heard po what you said. It was clear. Actually, super clear. In my video, I just asked, ‘Pwede diay na? Pwede diay na dili mahatagan ug budget ang Davao pag “Dili kamo ang maka daug?” Because that’s what you said. Ibutang na nato nga tinuod nga due to political differences dili o mohatag o maglisod matagaan ang Davao ug budget. Are we supposed to accept that? Dili ba political hostage ilang ginabuhat? And these people are the ones you guys align with. Unsa may bation namo? I also mentioned nga “Bisan pa siguro ug si kinsa maka daog. Dapat lang mahatagan ug budget. Dili lang kay kung imong mga manok ang makadaug” po sir. Gumagalang at naghahanap nang clarity.”
Another commenter, Khai Dolar Estabillo, said, “PAGHILUM UI!!! ideny nimu tong video imung gitabi sa katawhan!!! BAKAKON KANG DAKO!!!!”
Mark Adam B. Jairatul added, “Asay Fake News ato Boss? Nga gikan man jud to sa imong panulti.. Campaign Lang gud way dautay para hapsay. Just Saying.”
