JV Ejercito vows to push for PH comprehensive infra plan as first Senate bill

By: Dennis Gutierrez - 3 years ago

Screenshot of former Senator JV Ejercito from his Facebook account.

MANILA, Philippines — Should he return to the Senate, former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said the first bill he intends to file will create a comprehensive master plan for infrastructure that will not be coterminous with any administration.

“Isa sa mga adbokasiya ko ay infrastructure development and transport organization,” Ejercito said in an interview on Wednesday evening.

“Ang balak ko ay ifile yung Comprehensive Master Plan na talagang susundin for infrastructure development na kahit sino po ang Pangulo, ito po ang blueprint na susundin,” he added.

Ejercito said having a long-term plan for the country’s infrastructure program will encourage growth in rural areas.

“Iyon ang kailangan natin para maspread out yung development sa mga probinsya at mas lalong sumigla ang ekonomiya natin,” he said.

The former Senator also lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for launching the Build, Build Build program, which sought to address the country’s backlogs in infrastructure.

“Swerte nalang natin si Pangulo Duterte, nagkaroon ng political will na ituloy ang mga infrastructure development, na kahit hindi abutin ng termino niya, itutuloy,” Ejercito said.

During his previous term as senator, Ejercito was one of the most vocal advocates for infrastructure development in the Upper Chamber.

These include the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul in Southern Luzon and the Mindanao Railway System.

Recently, the former senator called for the construction of agri-food terminals and intermodal transportation terminals along these lines to provide farmers a sustainable trading center for their produce and increase their competitiveness.

As principal author of the Universal Healthcare Law, Ejercito has pushed for the construction of medical facilities in rural areas.