Palace welcomes bill seeking emergency powers for Duterte to hasten Build, Build, Build

Malacañang on Thursday welcomed the bill seeking to grant special powers to President Rodrigo Duterte aimed at expediting the implementation of the administration’s "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program.

The special powers sought for Duterte are for projects related to transport and mobility, water, urban development and renewal, information and communications technology, and power, according to House Bill 5456 which was filed by Albay Representative Joey Salceda.

Duterte is also given the authority to reorganize and rationalize the structure of his office as needed within six months from the enactment of the bill to ensure the effective implementation of the projects.

“Sa tingin ko maganda iyong kay Congressman Salceda, kasi nga one of the reasons why na bumabagal iyong projects kasi iyong right of way. Nagkakaproblema iyong mga owners, ayaw pumayag,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said at a news conference.

“Iyong iba nagti-TRO [temporary restraining order] pero kung may powers na, dire-diretso ang trabaho.”

Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Vince Dizon said “any effort on the part of Congress to assist the government is very welcome.”

“Congressman Salceda is one of the best minds in Congress now. And if he feels that this is necessary and this can be passed in Congress, then I’m sure the Executive will welcome it,” he told reporters.

Panelo expressed optimism that the government will be able to meet its priority targets with the help of special powers.

Solving traffic problems in Metro Manila and other urban areas is one of Duterte's promises since he assumed the presidency in June 2016.

But the Department of Transportation dropped the bid for emergency powers in September as the bill had languished in Congress. — MDM, GMA News