HOUSE MAJORITY Leader Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. of the 1st district of Camarines Sur has challenged Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno to a debate on the proposed road board abolition bill. “If he is really up to it, I challenge Sec. Diokno to a debate on the proposed bill. To see who is telling the truth,” Mr. Andaya said in a statement on Thursday. Mr. Andaya argued that House Bill 7436 will not completely abolish the seven-man board and will instead transfer the power to “Three Road Kings,” referring to the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He added that the new structure will more likely allow corruption to prevail. “Deretso ibibigay sa kanila at bahala na sila ang gagasta (It will go directly to them and allow them to utilize the funds on their own.) Each will have dictatorial powers over the funds. No oversight,” he added. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

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