Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday, July 16, criticized the practice of abandoning government projects whenever a new administration takes over, saying political rivalries should not hinder infrastructure development that directly benefits Filipinos.
During the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs’ deliberations on the proposed Master Plan on Infrastructure and National Development Act (MIND Act), Tulfo warned against the “back-to-zero” cycle, where incoming administrations discontinue or replace previous programs to avoid giving political credit to their predecessors.
Tulfo said the proposed measure would help ensure continuity of major infrastructure projects by establishing a long-term national development framework that would go beyond political changes.
“Kapag maayos po ang pagpaplano, nababawasan ang duplication, napapabilis ang implementasyon at napapalakas po ang accountability. Every peso invested in infrastructure should create the greatest possible benefits for the Filipinos,” Tulfo said.
The senator emphasized that proper planning and coordination would prevent duplication of projects, improve implementation efficiency, and strengthen accountability in the use of public funds.
Tulfo said the MIND Act would allow the government to prioritize projects based on national needs rather than political interests, ensuring that infrastructure investments provide lasting benefits to communities nationwide.
He added that a consistent infrastructure strategy is necessary to maximize government resources and deliver projects that contribute to economic growth, improved mobility, and better public services for Filipinos.
