PNoy lauds DPWH for reforms, gives bonuses to employees

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday praised the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for efforts to curb the "systemic corruption" associated to the agency.

In a speech during the DPWH's 115th anniversary celebration, Aquino cited the department's "fast, honest and reliable" execution of the government's infrastructure programs.

"Noon, dahil sa kaliwa’t kanang kapalpakan, naikabit na ang kanilang pangalan sa mga proyektong sinisimento ng tongpats, inaaspalto ng suhol, at pinipinturahan ng under-the-table... Ngayon, unti-unti nang naibabaon sa limot ang lumang mukha ng DPWH," the president said.

He also lauded the department for completing 80 percent of the 41,463 infrastructure projects lined up by the government in Aquino's first three years in office.

"Simple lang ang naging formula: ang 5 R’s—'Right projects, at the right cost and right quality, and accomplished right on time with the right people.' Ibig-sabihin, dahil sa mabuting pamamahala, nagagawa natin ang mga proyekto sa mas mabilis na paraan at sa mas murang halaga; napipigilan din natin ang katiwalian at ang pagtagas sa kaban ng bayan," Aquino said.

The president also boasted of the DPWH's "proper" procurement and bidding processes, as well as its P16.35 billion savings.

In April, however, Asian Development Bank (ADB) country director to the Philippines Neeraj Jain reminded the government to spend more on infrastructure projects to drive the country's growth. The Philippine government now spends about 2.5 to 3 percent of GDP on infrastructure.

'Man of steel'

Because of these accomplishments, Aquino announced that he has approved a P10,000 anniversary bonus for all DPWH employees and officials.

Aquino also praised DPWH Secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson, whom he said spearheaded reforms in the agency.

"Hindi kinailangan ni Secretary Babes Singson na maging Man of Steel and Concrete, para mapatibay at gawing permanente ang mga reporma sa DPWH... Malaki ang ginagampanang papel ng DPWH sa pagsisilbing tulay sa kaunlaran ng mga kababayan nating Pilipino. Kaya naman, nagpapasalamat po ako sa bumubuo ng ahensiyang ito," he said.

He also cited Singson for being able to solve infrastructure problems faced by the three-year-old administration.

"Si Secretary Singson ‘pag kausap natin, parang feeling ko parating good news. Pati ‘pag bad news, may problema, kasabay na ‘yong solusyon at ‘pag nagbitaw ng salita, talagang puwedeng itaga sa bato—sigurado tayo diyan," the chief executive said.

Aquino, the country's first bachelor president, also used the occasion to joke about his love life.

"Alam po n’yo kung gaano kahirap ang trabaho ko. Sabi ko, marami diyan ‘pag may tinawagang 'Babes,' iniisip pa lang, nakangiti na. Ang natirang 'Babes' na tinatawagan ko naging lalaki pa," he said. — KBK, GMA News