Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas
Reacting to Vice President Sara Duterte’s arrogant statement that those opposing the controversial multi-billion confidential funds are “enemies of peace,” the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said that chronic poverty and rampant bureaucratic corruption are among the main causes of instability and absence of a just and lasting peace in the country.
“Confidential funds do not promote peace. It only worsens the deep-seated corruption and entitlement within the bureaucracy. Confidential funds take away public spending for much-needed social services for Filipinos including free education, healthcare, and affordable housing, among others,” says Danilo Ramos, chairperson of KMP.
It is hypocritical that while VP Sara Duterte is asking for and defending her multibillion confidential funds under the OVP and DepEd, large budget cuts for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and specialty public hospitals are looming,” Ramos said, citing the gargantuan budget cuts for the Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Heart Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center amounting to a total of P818 million. SUCs will also suffer a P6.15 billion budget cut in the 2024 proposed national budget.
“We know Sara Duterte and her dynastical track record from Davao City to Malacanang. It is not surprising at all that she has maintained a personal slush fund while she was still Davao City Mayor. To say that she rightfully deserves the plunge in her latest approval ratings is an understatement,” the peasant leader said.
Marcos Jr. and Duterte’s approval ratings across all sectors dropped this September. “Maintaining confidential funds while the country is reeling from economic decline and sharp inflation is immoral,” KMP said.
The farmers’ group will continue to oppose and demand the abolition of the confidential funds. This week, KMP submitted its proposed budget amendments to the Senate Committee on Finance led by Senator Sonny Angara to include augmentation for the National Food Authority budget and the P15,000 production subsidy for farmers and fisherfolks. ###
