“When politics is no longer a mission but a profession, politicians become more self-serving than public servants.” –Emmanuel Macron
With the first of this year’s “-ber” months about to become a part of history, without the presence of rocks, sand, or other such construction materials, nor “Men at Work” signs, front loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks, trencher, graders, or cranes present, the much-ballyhooed P42 billion Negros-Guimaras-Panay bridges continues to be wild imagination.
If we listen to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Budget and Management, and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) officials, they will say, “Construction of the bridge will start before the end of the year” – but, which year?
A problem that has plagued the Philippines since time immemorial is talkative politicians going on about the implementation of gargantuan projects. While these blabbermouths continue to occupy the front row when it comes to publicity, they are also constantly scrambling to take credit for projects, as if it would not be possible to break ground without them wasting saliva and bragging.
The truth is, in their pursuit to score “pogi points,” they contribute nothing but grandstanding, using the matter to push their selfish political agenda and, to some extent, their whims and caprices as self-centered politicians. If government agencies were determined to implement the project, there would have been no need for the House of Representatives “Visayan Bloc” to call on the government to immediately commence construction.
With no progress since DPWH and NEDA announced construction “before the end of the year,” Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez and Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas were obliged to issue a statement appealing for the national government to begin the ambitious project. The Ilonggo solons claimed they were “committed to strongly support” the project, which is part of the President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.
If DPWH and NEDA were telling the truth about the project’s timeline, the appeal would not be necessary.
What can their congressional colleagues do to hasten the work? Their job is to legislate, no implement projects; unless the Visayan Bloc is subtly urging colleagues to tell Duterte’s boys to “shut up and hit the ground running.”
Local media recently reported a “strong likelihood” the Guimaras-Negros segment of the bridge, which will span 5.7 kilometers, will begin before the end of Duterte’s term. It was also reported, the 14.3-kilometer Panay-Guimaras span may be completed by 2021 if construction begins in 2018.
Meanwhile, here’s what the Visayan Bloc declared in their statement:
“We believe that Region 6 has so much potential for tourism and economic opportunities that can be maximized through the creation of accessory infrastructures such as the Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge that will enhance connectivity within the region. The project shall improve transportation connectivity and efficiency and promote regional economies by way of enhancing productivity, attracting investments and generating more revenues for localities in the region.”
Nice try. Let’s hope Malacañang won’t take the “impassioned” statement for granted./WDJ