Former Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing on Wednesday challenged Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to explain why he took a P25 billion loan when the city government has a P44-billion fund.
Bagatsing, who is running for Manila mayor in the May 9 elections, said he was shocked upon seeing government data showing the finances of the Manila City government.
“Ako’y na-shock nung malaman kong meron palang pera ang ating lungsod na halagang P44 bilyones aba’y bakit pa nangungutang ng P25 bilyon,” said Bagatsing in a media forum that was broadcasted online.
Bagatsing also questioned the timing of the sale of Divisoria Market at a time when the value of the real property is low due to the effects of the pandemic.
“Kung meron kang P44 bilyon bakit kailangang magbenta ka pa ng….ika nga bakit magbebenta ka ng palengke, inalisan mo ng hanapbuhay yung mga tao plus ang presyo ng mga real estate ngayon ay mababa… dahil sa pandemya eh hindi kanais nais na ngayon ka mag dispose ng assets mo,” Bagatsing added.
With the P25 billion loan, Bagatsing said each Manilenyo family should have been given P50,000 each.
“Subalit sa aktwal, ang bawat pamilyang Manilenyo ay nakatanggap lang ng halagang 800-piso na pamaskong handog. Ang mas masakit, hindi na nga natanggap ang 50,000 kada pamilya, may utang pa ngayon ang bawat pamilyang Manilenyo ng 50,000 plus interes, na pati ang kinita ng mga commissioner, tayo pa din ang magbabayad!” said Bagatsing in a press statement sent to media during the event.
Bagatsing disclosed that the Manila city government has spent millions in “Bilis-Kilos” television advertisements and financial assistance to other areas which he said is “in aid of election ni Isko.”
“Sana bago tayo tumulong sa ibang bayan, unahin muna natin ang ating sariling bayan. Bakit ka mangungutang para lamang magpapogi at magpaganda. Yan ang maliwanag na mga pagwawaldas ng ating kabang yaman!” Bagatsing stressed.
The former lawmaker urged Manilenyo’s to ask Moreno what properties have been sold and will be sold before he steps down.
“Tanungin po natin ang kasalukuyang Mayor at Vice mayor, ano na po ang mga nabenta o ibebenta pa ninyo bukod sa PNB building at Divisoria market? Alamin natin baka mamaya hindi na tayo ang may-ari ng Boystown, ng Mehan Garden, ng Museong Pambata? (Ano pa) Naiisip nila (baka) pati City Hall ibebenta nila. Alamin natin, baka pati ang North at South Cemetery ibinebenta na din, kasama ang mga narematang pag-aari” Bagatsing added.
Earlier, Moreno defended the sale of Divisoria market to Festina Holdings Inc. for P1.45 billion. He said the proceeds were used in programs to fight COVID-19.
