Rama wants DPWH to turn over funds for projects in the city

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama wants the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to turn over the funds for its infrastructure projects to the City Government.

This, after the City’s Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) found that some City-funded projects are similar to what the agency plans to do.

The City has already put on hold 42 DPWH projects totaling P127 million until these are reviewed by DEPW.

In his regular news conference yesterday, Rama said the DPWH should turn over the funds to avoid duplication.

This includes funds from the National Government and the Priority Development Assistance Fund of the city’s representatives, considering that these are all public funds, the mayor said.

“They should give it (money) to the City. They should start to decentralize. They (DPWH) should this time give more meaning to the spirit of the Local Government Code,” Rama said, adding that the law gives autonomy to every local government unit (LGU).

Rama pointed out that the LGU knows better what projects are needed, particularly those for the barangays.

If the DPWH wants to implement projects in the city, it should consult City Hall, Rama said.

“They should not plan on their own for the city because it is the LGU that has the primary responsibility in planning,” he said.