CLOSE LOOK | Presidential candidates must review issues in Build, Build, Build projects, says group

April 7, 2022 , 04:36 PM

By Clarist Zablan

(April 7, 2022) – Presidential candidates in the 2022 elections must consider the reports of delays, technical defects, and “bad books” in President Rodrigo Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program before deciding to push through with it if elected, a transparency group said on Thursday.

Aubrey Glaiza delos Reyes of the Right to Know, Right Now! (R2KRN) Coalition cited the findings of the Commission on Audit on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), flagging 3,283 projects under Duterte’s flagship infrastructure program due to failure to establish their technical viabilities in terms of feasibility and engineering. These projects are worth almost P110 billion.

“It’s already a given which state agency will implement it (Build, Build, Build): The Department of Public Works and Highways. That alone should give them (presidential candidates) pause, given the department’s reputation—warranted or not—for being a bed of corruption,” said delos Reyes.

According to R2KRN, through Dutertes’ Build, Build, Build program, one of his socioeconomic agendas aiming to boost development in the country, the DPWH has emerged as the government’s “golden child,” receiving its biggest allocation yet in 2022 at P785.73 billion. In comparison, the Department of Health was only given P268.4 million despite the pressing needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the Build, Build, Build program was unveiled in 2017, only 14 of its projects have been completed, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.

R2KRN also raised concerns on the technical defects in the 65 projects of the DPWH worth P339.1 million also flagged by the COA and its non-enforcement of the return of P681.95 million in advanced payments to contractors in 414 incomplete and halted projects as required by the procurement law.

“Moreover, it (COA) said, the funds could have been used to finance other projects of the government,” added delos Reyes. “COA has thus recommended that DPWH consider creating a new committee that will be responsible for the collection of such unused advanced payments.”

Most of the presidential candidates have expressed plans to continue the Build, Build, Build program, including Bongbong Marcos Jr., Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Ernesto Abella, and Faisal Mangondato. Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Ping Lacson are open to continuing it but with targeted reforms.

Jose Montemayor Jr. said he would continue it due to contractual obligations but he wants to ensure first that no corruption was made, while Norberto Gonzales wants to study first if it is equally developing all modes of transportation.

Leody de Guzman has been the most lukewarm about continuing it, stressing that it “drowned” the country in debt and the projects didn’t directly help the marginalized sectors.

“A solid infrastructure program is vital to any economy, so it’s no surprise that most of our 2022 presidential aspirants say that should they win, they will continue the government’s Build, Build, Build program,” said delos Reyes.

(PM)

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