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.