A lawmaker claimed that the budget slashed by Senator Franklin Drilon for the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games was allegedly allocated to Iloilo Province, the opposition politician’s bailiwick.
In a privilege speech at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo said that despite the budget cut made by Sen. Drilon for the SEA Games budget, they’re going to do their best to handle the event.
However, he questioned why Iloilo coincidentally received additional P2.3-B funds after the budget cut for SEA Games.
“I would commend the organizers despite the budget delay and even with the slashing of the SEA Games budget by Senator Drilon amounting to P2.5 billion; we stand ready in showcasing to the world and people our culture and our talents,” Salo said.
“Curiously, however, simultaneous with the P2.5 billion slashed in the SEA Games budget, is the increase in the budget of the various infrastructure projects in Iloilo, by P2.3 billion,” he stressed.
Salo didn’t give more information about his claims, saying that they’re going to focus on handling the SEA Games.
“But all of that is water under the bridge. What we need to do now is to ensure the success of this event, we have successfully done it in the past with the support of our people, and certainly, we can do it again with the same level of support, if not more, from our people,” said Salo.
Meanwhile, Senator Franklin Drilon denied the claims of Salo, calling it as disinformation.
“It is a complete lie. Mr. Salo is a blabbermouth and a purveyor of fake news… A cursory check of the records would disprove the allegations made by MR. Salo and other members of the House of Representatives today,” Drilon said.
Aside from Salo, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano who’s also the Philippine Sea Games Organizational Committee (Phisgoc) Chair and Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero blamed Drilon for the issues happening amid the SEA Games.
According to them, Drilon contributed to the delay in approving the budget.