DOTr clarifies underspending

Good day. On Sept. 22, 2017, The Philippine STAR published a column written by Mr. Boo Chanco titled “Political will ... daw!” which drew attention to the supposed underspending of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). In his column, Mr. Chanco implied that the underspending was due to his perceived ineptness and ineffectiveness of Secretary Arthur Tugade as head of agency. Mr. Chanco made reference to DOTr’s defense of its budget in the Senate where it was raised that the department has so far obligated only 18 percent of its 2017 budget. Mr. Chanco went on to say: “Now he (Tugade) has nothing to show ... zero ... nada!”

In order to set straight the facts surrounding this issue, the Department of Transportation wishes to clarify the following statements written in Mr. Chanco’s column, which we find misinformed, tenuous and unfounded:

1. “It is probably just as well that Transport Secretary Art Tugade didn’t get his emergency powers from Congress. Now he has an excuse for having obligated only 18 percent of his 2017 budget with less than four months to go. Having obligated one’s budget, in bureaucratese, means wala pang nagawa ... plano pa lang.”

While it is correct that the DOTr has so far obligated only 18 percent of its budget for 2017, it must be stressed that most of the projects have finished bidding and procurement processes and will start construction and implementation soon. It is only then that actual spending begins. Mr. Chanco may have made his judgement too soon.

It is likewise important to note that government processes take time. There are procedures and submissions to be followed and they could get frustrating at times, but these processes are necessary to ensure that there are no abuses. Secretary Tugade wishes to stress that DOTr projects are on track, even ahead of schedule.

In a press release published last Sept. 22, 2017, the DOTr reiterated its pledge to boost its budget spending on infrastructure projects, services, and programs this year. To illustrate this, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade set a high internal spending target rate of at least 80 percent for DOTr, as opposed to the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) at least 72 percent, so that the DOTr will be pressured to perform better and to push even more the implementation of projects.

2. “Early this week, Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on finance, lamented the continued underspending of several agencies, including DOTr. The senator said DOTr returned P11.5 billion to the National Treasury in December 2016.”

Secretary Tugade did not feel slighted when Sen. Legarda raised the possibility of underspending during the DOTr’s budget hearing in the Senate.

He said Sen. Legarda was merely stating data, which he needed to explain as head of agency. However, in a subsequent radio interview, Sen. Legarda clarified that she does not intend to single-out Secretary Tugade, but called on agencies to avoid underspending. She also said during the interview that he knows Secretary Tugade as “napakasipag na tao”.

It may do well to clarify that the P11.5 billion that the DOTr returned to the National Treasury in December 2016 was a result of underspending of the previous administration.

When the new DOTr administration took over in July 2016, a total of P19.2 billion funds remained unobligated. In just six months and new in office at that, the agency managed to obligate and download around P7 billion to projects and other attached agencies, a move allowed by the Commission on Audit (COA).

Secretary Tugade explained that there simply wasn’t enough time to spend all P19.2 billion left by the previous administration in just six months.

Government projects cannot be implemented in shortcut and abbreviated timelines, otherwise you will run afoul procurement laws and COA rules.

Procurement, when done properly and aboveboard, can take months and months, and even years. 3. “With 2017 practically over, only the Clark Airport which is

being administered by BCDA is probably going to break ground.” We take strong exception to Mr. Chanco’s statement that the DOTr has not started any infrastructure project this year. A simple research or perhaps even a mere scan of the DOTR’s social media pages would show that this statement is utterly baseless.

In just over a year, the DOTr has started construction of several major infrastructure projects, including long-pending projects that have been dormant for years or took several administrations to get moving.

Among the projects that broke ground since Secretary Tugade took over are the Bicol International Airport, LRT-l Cavite Extension Project, and the LRT-2 East Extension Project. The Manila to Clark Railway, a project that has not moved for many years, is also due for groundbreaking on December 2017. The Communications Navigation Surveillance / Air Traffic Management system was also fast tracked and due for full implementation by the end of the year.

At least eight airports are also currently being equipped with night-landing capabilities. The Common Station Project is also scheduled for groundbreaking on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017.

Mr. Chanco should have performed due diligence before writing his column to get his facts straight. And he could have simply referred to the DOTr’s Performance Report from July 1, 2016 - July 1, 2017, a copy of which was sent to him on Aug. 9, 2017 and also conveniently posted on DOTr social media accounts.

We value feedback and criticism for they help us do our jobs better. We value Mr. Chanco’s opinion as the selfappointed “resident nagger” of Secretary Tugade. But his rash and misinformed judgement on the performance of our agency and our Secretary isn’t something we can sweep under the rug. Thus, we find it necessary to write this letter to correct any misleading, irresponsible and malicious statements, as well as to give clarity to the issues raised by Mr. Chanco.

We trust that our concern will deserve your utmost attention. We, at the DOTr, will always keep its doors open for The

Philippine STAR for we believe in check and balances and we recognize the media’s role in upholding institutions to the highest of standards.

Rest assured that the DOTr is working very hard, and will continue to work hard, to improve and modernize transportation infrastructure in the country. We will be faithful to our mandate and will always have the best interest of Filipinos at heart. Thank you. Very truly yours, ATTY. LEAH M.QUlAMBAO Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs and Communications