INFRASTRUCTURE

inefficient, and opaque budgeting system that has hindered the government for decades. The problems of our budgeting system are encapsulated with recent experiences of underspending, defined as the deviation of actual spending from program spending, leading to a slowdown in the delivery of public services and implementation and completion of projects,” Mr. Diokno said.

About three-fourths of the 36 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development high-income member countries already use cash-based budgets.

The DBM seeks to institutionalize the budget through the Budget Reform Bill to have it in effect in every administration.

The government also remains focused on bridging the infrastructure gap and fast-tracking projects further to complete as much during Mr. Duterte’s term, Mr. Diokno said.

Among large-scale projects that the government will begin construction in 2019 include: the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1 (Quirino Highway-North Avenue), the Philippine National Railways (PNR) North 2 (Malolos-Clark); PNR South Commuter Line (Tutuban-Calamba); PNR South Long Haul (Manila-Bicol); the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Project; SubicClark Railway Project; AmbalSinuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Projects, and the Mindanao Rail Project Phase 1 (Tagum Davao Digos Segment).

“Infrastructure projects follow an ‘S curve.’ There is some gestation period with the feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, and the other stages of project preparation. Progress accelerates afterwards with construction until the said projects are completed. Finally, the pace of implementation tapers off once it reaches its maximum pace,” said Mr. Diokno. —