Ramos defends privatization plans

Ramos defends privatization plans

MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos yesterday defended
government plans to privatize some services to state-run
hospitals and schools.

"There is no intention on the part of this administration to
let go of those functions and responsibilities which are purely
government," a palace statement quoted Ramos as telling the
cabinet and congress leaders at their weekly meeting.

Ramos said that government only intended to privatize services
such as computerization, vehicle maintenance, security, and the
construction of new buildings.

He made the remarks following criticism that the privatization
of services to schools and hospitals would hurt the poor. Public
hospitals would continue to maintain charity wards and other
"pro-poor" functions even if other areas had already been
privatized, Ramos said in a statement.