Malacañang on Monday rejected claims that Davao City received no national government budget over the past four years, saying official data showed billions of pesos in allocations for programs and projects in the city.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the claim that Davao City had “zero budget” was not supported by records from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
“Hindi po totoo na walang budget or zero ang budget ang Davao City,” Castro said during a Malacañang briefing.
She said Davao City remains among the areas covered by national government support under the Marcos administration.
Based on DBM data cited by the Palace, Davao City received at least P7.856 billion in national government support from 2023 to 2026. The allocations covered national tax allotments, special shares, fire code fees, regular operating requirements, and funding for programs and projects.
Of the amount, around P7.440 billion was identified for national government programs and infrastructure, including farm-to-market roads, health facilities, justice and civil defense facilities, public works projects, basic education facilities, the DSWD XI learning institute, and the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project.
Malacañang said another P146.21 million from the Local Government Support Fund was also allotted for projects under the Barangay Development Program and the Green, Green, Green Program.
The Palace also questioned the inconsistency between claims of a zero budget and earlier statements citing a P51-billion allocation for flood control projects in Davao City.
Castro also dismissed criticism that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had achieved nothing in office, saying government projects, aid distribution, and infrastructure programs are continuing across the country.
“Kitang-kita po natin ang mga trabaho, kung ano na po ang nagawang proyekto at mga naibibigay na ayuda ng ating Pangulo,” she said.
Malacañang also responded to allegations that illegal drugs and criminality had worsened under the present administration.
Castro pointed to a May 14 operation in Davao City where authorities seized P15.6 million worth of shabu, saying law enforcers continue to conduct operations against illegal drugs without resorting to extrajudicial killings.
“Sa ngayon po, wala po tayong EJK pero marami pong nasasabat ang ating mga law enforcers para po masawata ang iligal na droga,” she said.
The Palace said the administration remains focused on governance, public services, and law enforcement despite continuing political attacks.