Sen. Mark Villar: 97 high-impact projects can be financed through Maharlika Investment Fund

Sen. Mark Villar  (PRIB photo / Bibo Nueva España)

MANILA, Philippines–Senator Mark Villar, principal author and sponsor of the Maharlika Investment Fund bill, said there are about 97 high-impact projects the MIF could finance once President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approves the proposed measure.

“Sa totoo lang po madaming high-impact infrastructure projects na pwede ma-finance through the Maharlika Fund. According to the economic team, there’s about 97 projects,” Villar said.

There are a total of 97 projects, consisting of 72 national PPP projects and 25 local PPP projects. In addition to these, Marcos’ Build Better More Program includes 190 infrastructure projects in the pipeline.

“Maraming nagtatanong paano nga ba tayo kikita kapag nagpagawa tayo ng kalsada? Simple lang po, kapag private ang nagtayo ng project para sa public utilities for example toll roads. Paano kumikita ang gobyerno? Through tax lang,” Villar explained.

“As of now, walang vehicle ang gobyerno para gumawa ng pera kung hindi thru tax. Kapag naibigay na natin ang proyekto na kailangan ng bansa, lahat ng returns nito babalik sa gobyerno. Mapapa-ikot natin ang pera,” he added.

Villar was the former DPWH Secretary who steered the country to its golden age of infrastructure. 

“Also when we say infrastructure po, let’s not limit ourselves to roads and bridges. May ibang infra sa list na related to agriculture, air and sea transportation, internet, health, and tourism sectors, which makes the MIF very encompassing,” Villar said.