Was Duterte's Build, Build, Build a success? Candidates answer

Most presidential candidates saw the need to continue the Duterte administration's "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program but gave different views on whether it was a success.

They also suggested varying ways on how it should continue in the next six years.

'Let public judge'

On whether the infrastructure program was a success, Senator Panfilo Lacson pointed out that of the 118 projects identified, only 12 were completed.

"So kayo na po ang humusga. Mga kababayan na lang natin ang humusga kung matagumpay ba," Lacson said.

With the Philippines' P12.03 trillion national debt, Lacson said he would push for a shift from the Build, Build, Build program to Private-Public Partnership.

"Panahon na siguro na mag-shift tayo from BBB- Build, Build, Build-- to PPP--public private partnership na kung saan di gagastos ang gobyerno at private initiative," Lacson said.

"Maraming tayong malalaking corporation na willing magparticipate sa nation building lalo na sa imprastraktura," he added.

P13.4 trillion debt

Labor leader Leody De Guzman pointed to the program causing the country acquiring trillions in pesos more in debt.

He said the program continued even amid the COVID-19 pandemic when health response measures should be the priority.

"Mayroong inabot din na tulong o pakinabang sa ating bansa pero generally, tingin ko, sabit 'yung pagbubuhos ng pondo dito sa Build, Build, Build. 'Yung ating utang mula sa P5.9 trillion bago umupo si Pangulong Duterte ngayon ay mukhang aabot ng P13.4 trillion bago matapos ang kanyang panunungkulan dahil sa mga Build, Build, Build na ito," De Guzman said.

"Naging problema rin dahil sa panahon ng pandemya, parang naging business as usual, tinuloy ang Build, Build, Build at napabayaan ang paggastos laban sa COVID. Kaya ang tingin ko hindi ito masyadong nakatulong," he added.

'Spur rural development'

Vice President Leni Robredo said she would continue the infrastructure build-up but would encourage Public-Private-Partnerships for their financing.

"Itutuloy natin pero we will give emphasis on PPP rather than ODA
iyong PPP para maging success, dapat isaayos natin ang pamamahala para mas maraming investor ang mag invest sa atin," Robredo said.

Robredo said her infrastructure projects would be meant to "spur rural development." 

"The infrastructure [will be] for our farmers such as farm to market roads, post harvest facilities... Strengthening our maritime industry [with building of] ports," Robredo said.

There should be also be more budget for mass transportation, as "88% of people in Metro Manila don't have cars." 

'Build, Build, Build a success'

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno believed the program was a success and said he would continue the construction of more infrastructure.

His program, he said, would focus on infrastructure needed for the delivery of basic services such as education and health.

“Yes, matagumpay ‘yung Build, Build, Buiild,” Moreno said.

He also reiterated his vow to continue the program, saying his administration will build more housing, schools, hospitals, post-harvest facilities, and sources of energy nationwide. 

“Sapagkat sa pag ikot-ikot ko, nakita ko ‘yung mga kababayan natin. Madalas mag hingalo pati kuryente nila. Nag hihingalo na ang buhay, naghihingalo pa ang kuryente, naghihingalo pa ang internet,” Moreno said. 

More for Visayas, Mindanao

Senator Manny Pacquiao said Build, Build, Build was a success and that he would continue the program under his administration.

“‘Pag sinabi mong successful ba eh ‘pag natapos po ang proyekto?  Itutuloy po natin ‘yan ‘pag natapos ‘yan ay matatawag natin na successful,” Pacquiao said.

“Maganda talaga ang proyekto na ‘yan kasi kasama ‘yan sa economic growth and development ‘yung Build. Build, Build infrastructure development,” he added.

He added that more infrastructure projects, such as roads, should be initiated in the Visayas and Mindanao.

“Alam niyo sa totoo lang, kaya hindi mai-stop i-stop ang kaguluhan sa Mindanao because napapabayaan po,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao then reiterated his plan for a free housing program for homeless Filipinos nationwide.

Science and technology

Presidential candidate and former Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said he would like to continue the “Build, Build, Build” program of the current administration, adding that he would focus more on science and technology for the benefit of the future generation.

“Yes it was a success dahil ito ang naging flagship ng current administration yung ‘Build, Build, Build’ po nila. I would continue that and push it beyond just ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructures,” Abella said.

“We would also like to ‘Build, Build, Build’ the next generation lalo na po ang pag-stress ng education ng ating mga kabataan lalo na po emphasizing science and technology, engineering and math para po magkaroon po tayo ng mas (to have more) innovative next generation and having more innovation they would lead into more research and development building out a stronger economy,” he added. 

'Gov't closer to people'

Faisal Mangondato also agreed that he would continue the current administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, adding that he would push for federalism if he wins in Eleksyon 2022.

The Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi’s presidential bet said having a federalism form of government would bring the “government closer to the people.”

“Ang mga kababayan ba natin ay may sapat na trabaho na mabubuhay nila ang kanilang pamilya sa ating bansa na dahilan na ang ating mga kababayan napupunta sa ibang bansa upang hanapin ang kanilang kabuhayan para mabuhay ang kanilang pamilya,” Mangondato said.

“Sa aming pagtakbo bilang pangulo ng ating bansa ay suliranin namin na magkaroon ng magandang buhay ang lahat ng mga Pilipino ito po ang adhikain sa lahat ng sumusulong sa federalismo para magkaroon ang gobyerno na mailapit natin sa ating mga tao,” he added. —NB, GMA News