Romualdez to fight for decentralization of government

CEBU, Philippines – Senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez said in a forum here yesterday that he will continue to lobby for the devolution of power from the capital to the local government units.

Speaking at the 888 News Forum, Romualdez said 75 percent of the country’s economy is concentrated in Metro Manila and is at high risk of getting crippled if the capital will be hit by a devastating calamity like super typhoon Yolanda or the so-called “Big One” earthquake.

"Our current set-up is too centralized. All our major resources are in Manila. If a major earthquake will occur, our economy will be crippled… Hanggang ngayon, everything   is centralized. We in the Visayas, we felt it the most. Pinakadehado ang Visayas," he said.

Romualdez is the current representative of the first district of Leyte Province and is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

He said devolution of power and decentralization of processes will benefit local government units because their programs and projects supported and funded fully.

"With this, there will be less people going to Manila for job opportunities and other opportunities," he said.

After the forum, Romualdez visited the fire victims in Barangay Punta Princesa where he distributed relief goods. He also joined in a boodle fight with some residents of the barangay.

Fire struck the area last December 2, 2015 and left 350 residents homeless. At least 85 houses were reduced to ashes.

Romualdez is married to a Cebuana, former Binibining Pilipinas International Mayedda Mendoza Kittilstvedt.

Romualdez said the close proximity of his home province, Leyte, to Cebu shows both LGUs share a common bond as the first Christians in the country. He said that as the cradle of Christianity in Asia, it is only fitting that Cebu will host the 51st International Eucharistic Congress this month. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (FREEMAN)