After calling on his Cabinet secretaries to resign, President Marcos challenged them to complete all projects under their agencies on time and on budget.
Marcos to Cabinet: Don't allow budget overspending, project delays
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of PPA/Yummie Dingding)
Speaking during the presentation of two new laws—Republic Act (RA) 12145 and RA 12180—at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday, May 22, Marcos told his Cabinet members to ensure that the implementation of all government projects will not lead to cost-overrun and delay.
"Hamon ko sa Gabinete at mga pinuno ng ahensya, siguruhing matatapos ang mga proyekto nang ayon sa schedule at sa budget (My challenge to the Cabinet and heads of agencies, ensure that projects are completed on time and according to budget)," Marcos said.
"Hindi na tayo papayag na may masyadong cost-overrun, mayroong mga time extension wala namang makatwirang dahilan. And no to non-performing projects (We will no longer allow excessive cost overruns or time extensions without valid reasons. And no to non-performing projects)," Marcos added.
The President also reminded them that to thoroughly study all official development assistance (ODA), stressing that from now on, the approval of ODA loans will be stricter.
"Nasabi ko na rin noon na dapat lahat ng ODA loan, lalo na ang mga lubos na na-delay ay masusing pinag-aaralan. Mas magiging strikto na rin ang approval ng ODA loan simula na ngayon (I have also said before that all ODA loans, especially those that are delayed, must be thoroughly reviewed. The approval of ODA loans will also be stricter starting now)," the President said.
The Chief Executive also made a promise that the government will be more "efficient and honest" in spending public funds.
"Kasabay nito, nangangako tayo na magiging mas mahusay at tapat ang pamahalaan sa paggugol ng pondo ng bayan. Sa ganitong paraan, mas tataas ang kalidad ng ating buhay (Along with this, we promise that the government will be more efficient and honest in spending public fund. In this way, the quality of our lives will improve)," Marcos said.
In a Palace briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President will keep an eye on the bicameral conference committee on the national budget to ensure that it will be aligned on the administration's priorities.