Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 10) — Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said he is willing to hold an “in-depth” discussion on the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund after a survey showed Filipinos were divided on the new law, while some said they don’t know enough about it.
“Mabuti naman na ina-admit na di nila maintindihan. Mahirap siya intindihin (It’s good they admitted that they don’t understand it. It is hard to understand). I suggest now that its available, you read it,” he said during a weekly interview with reporters over the weekend.
Based on a Social Weather Station (SWS) survey conducted in March, 51% of the respondents said they expect little or no benefit from the MIF, while 56% expect much benefit from it.
The poll also found that only 20% of Filipinos believe they were sufficiently informed about the sovereign wealth fund.
READ: Filipinos split on Maharlika fund’s benefits – SWS
Diokno also said there was “so much distrust” in the Maharlika bill.
“But we can live with it… I’m willing to be interviewed in-depth kahit ilang oras (even for hours),” he said.
Earlier last month, the finance chief said the Maharlika fund can be up and running before the year ends as they expect President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign it into law before his second state of the nation address on July 24.
