In a briefing last Tuesday, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that a plan is being drafted to fast-track major infra projects in Metro Manila through a non-stop 24/7 construction scheme. The plan will cover government and public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects above P10 million. Diokno said that the move will allow for a timely completion of all major infrastructure projects.
“Definitely, we will do our best,” said Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.
Philippine Constructors Association executive director Ibarra Paulino, however, said that they still need to study the proposition. Although open to the proposal, Paulino said that the costs and manpower needed should be further studied.
The worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila has been a major problem in the region. A transport study in 2012 estimated that the economic cost of traffic congestion in Metro Manila is around P2.4 billion a day.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominquez said that the realization of the projects will require cooperation from everyone. “Things will get worse before they get better,” Dominguez said. He added that there is no ‘magic wand’ that will quickly solve the problem in traffic.
