No delays on ‘Build’

Angara said that from 75 projects, the BBB program now has 100 projects which are more doable and feasible.

President Rodrigo Duterte wants documents related to the “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) program released from government agencies with stakes in its implementation.

This was disclosed by Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go during a manifestation on Monday.

“President Duterte wants all papers of ‘Build, Build, Build’ — approved or not — released by all departments,” Go said.

Duterte’s long-time aide said the Chief Executive does not want to hamper or delay the infrastructure projects he launched during the first year of his term.

The President also urged the government agencies to make sure the infrastructure program is finished or almost complete before his term ends in 2022.

“Mr. Duterte does not want them unfinished,” Go said. “The public is not just after ‘Build, Build, Build,’ They want ‘Use, Use, Use.’”

The neophyte lawmaker made the remark after the Senate disclosed that only nine of 75 original BBB projects have commenced three years into the President’s six-year term.

Senate Finance Committee chairman Sonny Angara, who defended the budget of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority said government revisited the list after the BBB program was transferred to the BCDA from National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Angara said that from 75 projects, the BBB program now has 100 projects, which are more doable and feasible.

“It was seen in the NEDA presentation that this administration has done many infrastructure programs — fast-tracked and executed — for the economy and quality of life of the people,” Go said.

He assured the Senate that he will investigate projects under the BBB program if corruption or irregularities arise.

He also expressed support to the construction of sports facilities in the New Clark City, but the senator clarified that the government should also ensure that the new amenities should not go to waste.

“I fully support the development of New Clark City, especially the sports hub which would greatly benefit our athletes. It is a good investment, as this facility will be very useful for us well beyond the time that we will be using it during the 2019 SEA Games,” Go said.

“But Sen. (Franklin) Drilon was right when he asked if we can be assured that this investment would not go to waste after the SEA Games,” he added.

Angara said the venue will not become another white elephant based on an Asian Development Bank feasibility study of the facilities.

The Senate has terminated the debates on the P15.496 billion budget of the BCDA.