Senator Ralph Recto INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines鈥擲enate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Thursday backed Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno鈥檚 call for the exemption of big-ticket infrastructure projects from the election ban to catch up on the government鈥檚 鈥淏uild, Build, Build鈥� initiative timetable.
Recto noted that most infrastructure projects are already behind schedule and it will be further aggravated 鈥渂y suspending work simply on account that it is the season for candidates to shake hands and kiss babies.鈥�
鈥淗ow can a beneficial enterprise that is the construction of schools and hospitals be placed in the same category as the carrying of firearms and other prohibited activities?鈥� Recto said in a statement.
The election ban on public works construction will stretch from March 29 to May 12.
In supporting Diokno鈥檚 call, Recto cited a provision in the Senate version of the 2019 national budget which states that: 鈥淣otwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, infrastructure projects funded under this Act shall be exempt from the prohibitions against release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds and against construction of public works and delivery of materials for public works.鈥�
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The government is currently operating under a reenacted budget as this year鈥檚 appropriations stalled in Congress amid allegations of 鈥減ork鈥� insertions.
鈥淲ith the delay in the enactment of 2019 national budget, the above exemption provision is needed for government to catch up with its 鈥楤uild, Build, Build鈥� timetable,鈥� Recto said.
The senator then stressed that 鈥渂oth people and progress鈥� will lose if the construction of facilities will stop during the campaign period.
Recto also pointed out that the campaign period will coincide with the summer season 鈥渨hich is the best time, weather-wise, for construction.鈥�
鈥淲e should take advantage of this so-called good weather window before the typhoon season kicks in,鈥� he said.
鈥淭hat this forced work interruption happens every 36 months speaks of how elections delay the delivery of vital projects. We should be working on projects round the clock,鈥� he added. /jpv