Poe, Chiz pitch P1-trillion budget for Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Leading presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe assured Mindanao of 30 percent from the national budget or roughly about P1 trillion as her party resumed their campaign sorties.

Poe and her running mate Sen. Francis Escudero are carrying the banner of "Gobyernong may Puso." They are also the first presidential party to campaign in Zamboanga City.

Poe told newsmen in a briefing prior to their rally that they have to identify the priority for the development that will also address the peace and order situation in Mindanao.

“Naniniwala ako na ang isa sa mga problema na nagkakaso sa peace and order ay ang kakulangan ng suporta sa development at poverty,” Poe said. 

“Kaya kami ni Sen. Chiz layunin namin na trenta porsiyento ng national budget ay mapalaan dito sa Mindanao. Halos isang trilyong piso 'yong budget,” Poe added.

She said with the bigger budget, this will add more roads, bridges, dams and assistance for the agriculture programs especially in areas infested by rebels because it cannot be immediately reached by the law enforcement.

Poe said this will also create jobs and opportunities for the people because of the massive infrastructure projects. 

“Malalayo sila sa tukso ng mga rebeldeng grupo,” she said.

Poe added that hospitals need also to be modernized in Mindanao.

Escudero, for his part, told other candidates to stop talking about helping Mindanao without concrete financial support.

“As the saying goes ‘put your money where your mouth is’” Escudero said, saying that it is only under Poe that Mindanao will truly find the fair share from the national coffers.

“Layunin namin ni Sen. Grace na maglaan ng 30 porsyento ng pambansang budget para sa Mindanao. Ito ay para iparamdam sa Mindanao na hindi dapat Metro Manila lagi,” Escudero said.