Senate bill pushes 24/7 operations for gov’t infra projects

TWO DECADES AGO: Sen. Grace Poe, after two decades, revisits the event that transpired on May 10, 2004 when her late father Fernando Poe Jr. ran as president but lost to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a controversial result and an alleged electoral fraud. During Wednesday’s plenary session, May 8, 2024, Poe delivered a privilege speech and showed a film presentation that detailed the events that unfolded twenty years ago. “I thought for a long time if I should relive this bitter episode, but it is not just a personal matter, it is history that should not be forgotten. It should serve as a lesson for the new and future generations. History is neither political nor personal, it only states what happened. It is a reminder to us that we must choose what legacy we want to leave to our children,” Poe said in Filipino. “A good two decades have passed since the “Hello Garci” was pulled off, and I am recalling it today, not as a daughter of the decent man who was robbed of votes, but as a senator of the Republic who believes it is her duty not to let this blot in our history fade from the nation’s memory,” she added. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe has filed a bill that seeks to require round-the-clock operations for government infrastructure projects to avoid wastage of funds and to maximize the benefits these projects will bring.

Poe on Tuesday said she filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 2716, or the proposed Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery Act, which would require round-the-clock operations for priority projects of the national government, local government units, and government-owned and controlled corporations.

If enacted, the measure would cover the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads and bridges.

“By working tirelessly, day and night, we will expedite the completion of critical infrastructure projects, reducing delays and as a result, accelerating benefits to our communities, most especially the commuting public who needs it the most,” Poe said in the bill’s explanatory note.

“The measure will also ensure that our country will not incur any more penalties and purchase construction materials at terribly inflated prices due to such delays.  The millions of pesos that we will save through this policy can be reallocated to the government’s public services programs where they can make the most difference,” she added.

According to Poe, contractors who implement the 24/7 working schedule will be given incentives. Contractors and implementing agencies will be required to coordinate with each other in formulating an efficient schedule that is safe for workers.

Agencies that would not participate in the proposed system can be penalized by lowering their next year’s budget. Negligent contractors may be barred from participating in future government bidding procedures.

“The proposed law aims to turn the Philippines into a leader in infrastructure development, showcasing our country’s ability to innovate, adapt, and adjust with the shifting tides,” Poe said.

“It sends a clear message to the world: Our country is open for business, and we have the infrastructure to prove it,” she added.

At the House of Representatives, a similar measure was filed by ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and other lawmakers.

House Bill (HB) No. 9666, or the proposed Accelerated Infrastructure Development Act of 2023, also seeks to require 24/7 operations for government infrastructure projects. Under the proposed measure, implementing agencies would be tasked to ensure that suitable working schedules for workers would be adopted, with a minimum of three shifts in a day.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan on Tuesday said HB No. 9666 also seeks to address the traffic woes caused by infrastructure projects near or along major thoroughfares.

READ: Yamsuan calls for passage of bill requiring gov’t projects to work 24/7 

The country’s city centers have experienced traffic congestion, which is sometimes exacerbated by ongoing construction projects.

Studies have given staggering estimates about how much income is lost due to Metro Manila’s traffic congestion.

In 2014, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said Metro Manila’s traffic jam was costing the Philippine economy P2.4 billion per day in potential income, which can balloon to P6 billion a day by 2030.

READ: Manila’s traffic jams cost $57 million a day 

In 2018, JICA updated the figures, noting that money lost due to traffic congestion was P3.5 billion per day.

Just recently motorists have complained about the closure of the Kamuning Flyover along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue’s southbound lane in Quezon City, which is under construction.

The closure has forced private vehicles moving along the southbound lane to go through the narrow service road, which links to Timog Avenue, East Avenue, and the Kamias Road intersection.