House Ways and Means committee Chairperson Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda believe that the around P16 billion in projects classified as under the National Task Force for Ending Communist Local Armed Conflict should be kept and may be redirected on projects for areas hard-hit by recent natural calamities.
Salceda stressed that NTF-ECLAC budget is not a direct national security budget but actually for countryside development.
“The idea is that when you build roads in the countryside, you are creating opportunities for economic development, and minimizing the incentives for joining armed conflict,” Salceda said.
“Of course, I appreciate the concern for the Bicol region. Indeed, there should be some space for realigning some non-urgent projects towards Albay, Catanduanes and other hard-hit areas. After all, if these provinces can recover faster, and the infrastructure in far-flung areas of these provinces is tended to, the rationale for insurgency is drastically reduced,” he added.
The solon said that possible adjustment is now up to the bicameral conference committee.
“In general, the idea of spending on programs towards economic development in the countryside is the most effective way to rid of armed conflict of breathing space, because it feeds on resentment. I support those countryside development programs,” the senior lawmaker said.
Meanwhile, Salceda estimates the economic toll of Super Typhoon Rolly to be at least P21 billion, and says that some of the countryside development projects under the task force can mitigate the damage.
“We’re looking at P6 billion in infrastructure damage, P3 billion in damage to agriculture, and at least P12 billion in damage to private property. This does not count the opportunity costs, of course, as Bicol will suffer from economic slowdown for a while, on top of our COVID-19 problems. So, budgetary adjustments towards hard-hit areas are welcome,” Salceda said.