Palace reminds contractors to gear up for calamity response

MANILA, Philippines —  Malacanang reiterated its directive to private companies that are part of the government’s infrastructure programs to preposition their assets that may be needed during times of calamity.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez issued the reminder in an ambush interview after the signing of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act on Monday.

“Maliwanag sa Pangulo ang kanyang instruction at inuulit niya ito sa mga government agencies…yung mga private contractors, yung mga trucks nila, yung mga makinarya nila, yung mga private contractors na may kontrata sa gobyerno, DOTr [Department of Transportation], DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways], dapat naka pre-position na,” he said.

(The President’s instruction is clear, and he is reiterating it to government agencies…those with contracts with the government, their trucks and machinery—especially those working with the DOTr [Department of Transportation] and DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways]—should already be prepositioned.)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. first made the order in a statement last November 6 when Typhoon Marce whipped parts of the country.

“To the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] and DOTr [Department of Transportation], you are on standby for road clearing operations. Use not only your machinery and trucks but also include private companies participating in our Build Better More infrastructure programs,” he said.

In the same statement, Marcos also placed all government agencies under high alert and directed the 24-hour monitoring of bodies of water that might overspill and cause flooding in its surrounding areas.