Duterte urged to certify Balik Probinsya bill

MANILA, Philippines — Camarines Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte on Saturday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent a bill seeking to institutionalize the Balik Probinsya program and help spur growth in rural regions.

Villafuerte sought presidential endorsement of House Bill No. 6970, or the Balik Probinsya Incentives Act, to expand investments outside of Metro Manila.

He said this would decongest the metropolis and other urban centers and encourage investors to expand their businesses to other regions.

—Julie M. Aurelio