When asked about addressing project implementation delays, Bautista stated, “As we have discussed, there are resolutions in place. Despite the challenges, we expect to implement the projects on time.”
Bautista emphasized the objective of adhering to the newly established timetable, saying, “Our main goal is to implement these projects according to the revised schedule.”
One of the significant challenges faced by the DOTr is the issue of “right-of-way” (ROW). To tackle this, Bautista mentioned that the President has directed coordination with all government agencies.
He highlighted the creation of an inter-agency committee under Administrative Order No. 19, issued by the President last year. The Inter-Agency Committee for ROW Activities for National Railway Projects includes the DOTr, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Office of the Solicitor General.
“One of the biggest problems in infrastructure implementation is the right-of-way. Through the collaboration of all departments, we should be able to resolve these issues,” Bautista said.
Most of the projects currently being implemented began during previous administrations, with existing issues that needed resolution.
