PBBM wants fast-tracked implementation of priority projects

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

She said Marcos is looking forward to working with all elected officials, including the presumptive winners in the Senate race. (PCO file photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate implementation of the priority projects and programs of his administration, Malacañang said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos is focused on prioritizing the Filipinos’ needs by expending the implementation of key initiatives aimed at bringing progress to the country.

Castro made the statement, as she stressed that Marcos has no plan to intervene in the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Ang mabe-verify ko po sa inyo, totoo pong ipinag-utos ng Pangulo na dapat asikasuhin po namin ang trabaho, dapat madaliin po ang pag-i-implement ng mga proyekto na nais niya parang sa taumbayan (What I can verify with you is that it is true that the President ordered that we should take care of the work, that we should expedite the implementation of the projects that he wants for the people),” she said.

“Pero pagdating po sa impeachment, iyan po ay nasa kamay na po ang Senado, nasa kamay na rin po ito ng mga prosecutors, so hayaan na lamang po natin iyong prosesong dumaloy nang normal (But when it comes to impeachment, that is already in the hands of the Senate, it is also in the hands of the prosecutors, so let’s just let that process flow normally),” Castro added.

Several Cabinet members of Marcos met on Thursday to discuss the priority programs of the current administration that need to be implemented immediately.

The agenda of the meeting was first revealed by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon who attended the meeting.

Castro also emphasized the importance of unity, now that the elections are over.

She said Marcos is looking forward to working with all elected officials, including the presumptive winners in the Senate race.

“Walang anumang kulay ng pulitika. Dapat lahat po ng nahalal ay magkaisa-isa, magkaroon po ng kooperasyon. Ito naman po ay para sa taumbayan. Huwag naman po sana laging politika ang pinag-uusapan at hindi po tayo makakilos at makakausad kung puro pamumulitika at pang-iintriga ang gagawin natin sa pamahalaan (There is no longer any political color. All those elected should be united and have cooperation. This is for the people. Let’s not always talk about politics and we will not be able to move forward and make progress if all we do in government is politicking and sowing intrigue),” Castro said.

“Mas nanaisin po ng ating Pangulo na kung anuman po iyong maganda niyang proyekto ay sang-ayunan ng mga mambabatas para po hindi tayo mahirapan sa pagkuha ng budget para po sa taumbayan. Hindi po hahadlang din ang Pangulo kung anuman po ang kanilang mga suhestiyon, kung ito man ay hindi naaayon sa programa sa Pangulo (Our President would prefer that any of his good projects be approved by the legislators so that we do not have difficulty in obtaining a budget for the people. The President will also not block any of their suggestions, even if they are not in line with the President’s program),” she added.