Ultimatum over issued over sloppy implementation of projects

DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed disappointment over the sloppy implementation of infrastructure projects, especially road constructions, warning that he would hold Cabinet secretaries, city and project engineers responsible for this.

“If you delay or a slippage of 20 percent — you’re out and I will cancel your contracts,” Duterte said during the opening of the 2018 National Science Week at the SMX Convention Center here Friday night.

The President specifically called the attention of Public Works Secretary Mark Villar to make sure completion targets are achieved and projects follow specifications.

From now on, finishing projects on time would be a policy statement, he said, regretting that programs and projects in the country always end up in investigation due to alleged corruption.

“Walang mangyayari (Nothing will happen) if we will not cut corruption,” Duterte said.

He pointed out that some contractors who win public bids do not even have enough capital to fund the project, lack materials and workers, and have no clear credit extension or credit line.

The budget, he said, is not fully spent on the project because a certain percentage goes to the pockets of officials, especially at the local level.

Duterte further noted that unfinished projects result in many accidents. “It’s almost nonchalant, so make it a criminal issue,” he said, calling on the people to sue the government “if you fall or bump because it (project) is unlighted, uncovered.”

In turn, the President said, he would sue the project engineer and ask the Cabinet secretary to explain.

He reiterated the need to reduce graft and corruption to move forward.

“Unless we cut down on graft and corruption, this country will never progress within the next 30 years,” Duterte said, adding that it would take 70 years for the Philippines to catch up with Malaysia or Singapore if graft and corruption continues. (PNA)