Duterte backs Senate over Road Board abolition

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday backed the Senate over the proposed abolition of the Road Board as he slammed the agency anew for being the "milking cow" of corrupt government officials.

"I side with the Senate, and if it comes to a constitutional controversy, the Executive department will side with the Philippine Senate and its interpretation of the law that the process has been completed; that it has been sent to the Senate for approval and on time it was signed," he said.

Duterte's categorical remark was expected to put an end to claims and counter claims between senators and some leaders of the House of Representatives.

Both chambers have approved a bill abolishing the Road Board. The Senate adopted the House version in order to dispense with the bicameral conference, but on September 12, the House rescinded the approval of the measure which was principally authored by former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier announced plans to transmit the bill to Malacanang for the President's signature,  even without the signature of Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. had claimed days before the chamber recalled its support for the bill that Duterte told him and Arroyo that he wants the board to stay.

Duterte belied Andaya's statement.

"I had a talk with President Arroyo and apparently there was a misunderstanding because all along I really wanted to abolish the road tax and Andaya was one of those who said that it should be maintained. No, nagkamali sila doon," the President said in a speech during the change of command ceremony of the Philippine Air Force in Pasay City.

He said he has been advocating for the board's abolition since assuming office in June 2016.

"I’ve always been wary about this office because it has been the milking cow of people who are corrupt in government," he said.

"Ever since, I’ve really questioned the existence of this office. It’s nothing but a depository of money and for corruption," Duterte said, adding its functions should be returned to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte will still sign the bill even without Arroyo's signature, which for Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea was only "ministerial."

The Road Board oversees funds collected from the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) solely for road maintenance and drainage improvement, the installation of traffic lights and road safety devices, and monitoring air pollution.

The MVUC fund now stands at P45 billion.

But the Commission on Audit has flagged irregularities in the use of MVUC funds including unauthorized and unnecessary expenses. —LDF, GMA News