President Rodrigo Duterte speaks at the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at The Manila Hotel on Oct 17, 2019. Richard Madelo, Presidential Photo
MANILA -- (UPDATE) The government revised recently its list flagship infrastructure projects under President Rodrigo Duterte's "Build, Build, Build" program, expanding it to 100.
This includes the first phase of Metro Manila's first ever subway the New Manila International Airport, the renovation of the Ninoy Aquino and Davao International Airports and Sangley Airport in Cavite.
The office of Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects Secretary Vince Dizon furnished ABS-CBN News with a copy of the list. Dizon is also CEO of the Bases Conversion Development Authority.
The rehabilitation of MRT-3 and the construction of MRT-7 and several other MRT-branded train lines in Metro Manila were also included.
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One of Duterte's allies in the House, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, said Wednesday he would file a bill seeking "emergency powers" for the chief executive to help him move "Build, Build, Build" faster.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday dismissed the infrastructure program as a "dismal failure."
Asked about the emergency powers proposal, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Thursday: "One of the reasons why bumabagal yung projects, kasi yung right of way (One of the reasons projects move slow is right of way issues.)"
"Kung may powers na, dire-diretso ang trabaho (If such powers are given, work will flow continuously)," said Panelo, Duterte's concurrent chief legal counsel.
Sen Bong Go, Duterte's former special assistant, said Wednesday emergency powers at this time would be "too late" with the President stepping down in 2022.
-- with a report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News
Editor's Note: This update includes an updated list of infrastructure projects from the Bases Conversion Development Authority