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Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) Administrator and CEO Katrina Ponce Enrile on Monday called out Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte for engaging in “calamity politics,” slamming him for donating his constituents’ tax money even if his jurisdiction also faced severe flooding issues.
MANILA, Philippines — On Monday, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) Administrator and CEO Katrina Ponce Enrile criticized Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte for what she termed “calamity politics.” Enrile rebuked Duterte for donating Davao City’s tax money to other cities and municipalities affected by recent calamities, despite Davao City itself facing severe flooding issues.
Enrile accused Duterte of engaging in “trapo politics” (traditional politics) and being “out of touch,” pointing out that the areas receiving the donations were wealthier than Davao City. Duterte had recently allocated a total of P14.5 million in financial aid, distributing P1 million each to six provinces in Luzon, P500,000 each to 11 cities in the Greater Manila Area, and P300,000 each to 10 municipalities in various provinces.
“Baste’s decision to provide financial assistance to select places is an example of trapo calamity politics at its worst,” Enrile said. “The LGUs (local government units) that received the aid are wealthier, and they didn’t even ask for help.”
Enrile argued that while helping others is commendable, it should not come at the expense of one’s own constituents, who are also in need. “If you want to score political points by offering aid to wealthier areas, make sure it’s surplus money and that your own people’s needs have already been met,” she said.
Enrile also reminded Duterte that “charity begins at home” and urged him to prioritize the needs of Davao City. She added that if Duterte had ambitions to run for senator, he should focus on attending political rallies rather than using city funds to gain attention.
“Instead of being a ‘drama queen,’ Mayor Baste should address the severe flooding issues in Davao,” Enrile said, noting that despite six years of the Duterte family’s rule, there had been no significant progress in flood control.
“What Mayor Baste did is like a family head who, despite having nothing to eat, chooses to contribute to a friend’s feast just to be the center of attention,” Enrile concluded. “To the Dutertes, fix Davao first before criticizing others.”
