Comelec Debate: How Presidential Bets Plan To Improve ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program

‘Build, Build, Build’ Program Was Brought Up During Comelec Presidential Debate 2022

COMELEC DEBATE – How will the presidential candidates improve the current administration’s big infrastructure program, ‘Build, Build, Build.’

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program was brought up during Commission on Election’s first presidential debate on Saturday, March 19. It was held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

Nine presidential bets participated in the debate. They are Vice President Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Ernesto Abella, Ka Leody De Guzman, Jose Montemayor, Norberto Gonzales, and Faisal Mangondato. Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos did not join the debate.

Presidential-candidates-on-comelec-debate — Photo Source: Inquirer

Most presidential aspirants lauded Duterte’s ongoing ‘Build, Build, Build’ project. They also said they are going to continue it if they were elected as president.

How will the presidential candidates improve the infrastructure projects?

Ernesto Abella said that he will continue the infrastructure plans of Duterte’s administration. He said, “I would continue that and push it beyond building infrastructures. I would also like to build, build, build the next generation.”

The former presidential spokesperson added that he will focus on the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sector of education.

Rodrigo-Roa-DuterteBong-Go-Mark-Villar — Photo Source: CNN

Ka Leody de Guzman acknowledged that the ‘Build, Build, Build’ project did help the country. However, it worsened the poverty and gave more hardship to the Pinoys.

“Walang kwentang gobyerno! Yung basic na kailangan ng mga mamamayan ay hindi natutugunan. Yun ang aking pagtingin sa nangyaring Build, Build, Build na ito. Binaon tayo sa grabeng utang,” de Guzman said.

Norberto Gonzales said he would check the infrastructure program first and find out whether it really helps the people before deciding to continue it.

“Napakaimportante ang ugnayan ng bawat mamamayan sa lipunan. Titingnan ko po kung ang Build, Build, Build ay may pantay-pantay na pagtingin,” Gonzales said.

Faisal Mangondato also shared a similar position. He said he would continue the infrastructure plan if it would benefit the public more.

Comelec-Debate-2022-Presidential-candidates — Photo Source: ABS-CBN

Isko Moreno said that he will pick up where the BBB program would be left off. However, he said he would prioritize housing, schools, and post-harvest facility.

“We will build more housing, better schools, more hospitals, more post-harvest facility para sa ating fisherfolks at farmers at maghahayop,” said Isko.

Build-build-build-project — Photo Source: BusinessWorld

Ping Lacson said the program can be deemed successful despite accomplishing only twelve (12) out of 119 planned projects. He plans to shift the project to ‘Public-Private Partnership (PPP). It is the program revived by Aquino admin.

Jose Montemayor said that if he gets elected as president, he will continue it out of respect for the contracts signed. He would also monitor where the loans for the BBB project will go. He said, “Now, siguraduhin nating mabuti na napupunta sa tama iyan.”

Leni Robredo said she will continue the BBB program. She said she will put emphasis on PPP instead of Official Development Assistance (ODA).

“Itutuloy po natin yung Build, Build, Build pero magbibigay tayo ng emphasis on PPP instead of ODA para hindi na utang…”

“Pero for PPP to succeed, kailangan isiguro natin na inayos natin ang pamahalaan para maraming investors ang tumiwala sa atin,” she added.