Senate Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito renewed his push for a long-term national infrastructure master plan, saying the measure would help accelerate economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and spread development beyond major urban centers.
Ejercito called for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 2, or the Masterplan for Infrastructure Development (MIND) Act, during the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs in coordination with the Committees on Public Works and Finance.
“This will hit two birds with one stone… Sa tingin ko, ito ang magiging susi. This will really stimulate economic growth all over the country. This will spread out the development. Hindi lang sa Metro Manila, hindi lang sa Cebu, hindi lang sa Davao ang centers of growth. Dapat maikalat po ito, like for example, dun po sa ibang areas ng Mindanao,” Ejercito said.
The senator said infrastructure development, particularly railways and mass transit systems, is essential in improving mobility, supporting businesses, and strengthening the economy.
“Ang railway at mass transit ang susi sa mas mabilis na paggalaw ng tao, negosyo, at ekonomiya. Ang infrastructure development ay hindi lang para sa kasalukuyang administrasyon, ito ay para sa susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino,” he added.
The proposed MIND Act seeks to establish a Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Masterplan and create the Masterplan for Infrastructure Development Council, which would ensure that major infrastructure projects are coordinated, data-driven, transparent, and sustained despite changes in political leadership.
Ejercito said the government should focus on creating long-term employment opportunities instead of relying heavily on financial assistance programs.
“Huwag naman tayong umasa na lang sa programang ayuda. Kailangan natin ng disenteng trabaho at hanapbuhay in the long run that is sustainable. Ang ayuda po, panandalian, hindi po ‘yan sustainable. Ang gusto natin, tunay na trabaho at hanapbuhay upang maiangat ang antas ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
While acknowledging that the government has already established policy frameworks through Republic Act No. 12145, or the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Law, and Executive Order No. 72, Ejercito said that institutionalizing a long-term infrastructure system through the MIND Act remains necessary.
He noted that during deliberations on the DepDev Law, he pushed for the inclusion of the country’s long-term infrastructure vision, goals, and strategies in the national development framework.
“Kung titingnan natin ang ating mga karatig-bansa sa ASEAN, makikita natin kung gaano na tayo napag-iwanan sa infrastructure development. Hindi ito rocket science. Nagkaroon sila ng malinaw na direksyon at pangmatagalang plano. Panahon na para gawin din natin iyon,” Ejercito said.
No more last-minute budget insertions
Ejercito also vowed to end last-minute budget insertions during bicameral conference committee deliberations and strengthen the role of local governments and regional development councils in identifying priority infrastructure projects.
“Hindi na tayo tatanggap ng mga insertions sa bicam. Sisiguraduhin nating may boses ang ating regional development councils at mga local government sa pagpili ng mga proyektong ipatutupad. Hindi na puwedeng may mga proyektong ipinapasok na hindi alam o hindi prayoridad ng mismong komunidad,” he said.
The senator said recent issues surrounding flood control projects highlighted the need for better planning, stronger monitoring systems, and improved accountability in infrastructure implementation.
Ejercito stressed that while individuals involved in alleged anomalies must face accountability, infrastructure development should continue for projects that genuinely benefit communities.
“Ayusin natin ang sistema. Panagutin ang dapat managot. Pero ipagpatuloy natin ang mga proyektong tunay na kailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.