Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang has ordered key government agencies to accelerate the rollout of major infrastructure and social programs while addressing underspending issues.
In a meeting at the Palace on May 14, officials from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, and Department of Budget and Management reviewed the implementation status of priority projects and budget utilization.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the government has already released ₱1.287 trillion in programmed allocations for the second quarter and stressed the need to immediately convert the funds into projects and services.
“It is a must that the social good that this will fund be enjoyed by the people soonest,” Recto said.
Recto acknowledged that some agencies continue to face underspending and delays in implementation.
“These must be resolved immediately,” he said.
Officials present during the meeting said agencies were urged to maximize revised procurement rules designed to speed up acquisitions and reduce project delays.
Recto said the government can cut bureaucratic bottlenecks without sacrificing accountability.
“There is a way that we can speed up the process without taking legal shortcuts,” he said.
“Red tape that causes paralysis without sacrificing transparency can be done away with,” he added.
Recto also reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize programs with the biggest impact on jobs, inflation, and food security.
