Elections 2022: Pacquiao to continue Build, Build, Build if he wins

There are only 39 days left before the May 9 Presidential election takes place, and 91 days remaining in the Duterte administration and the Build, Build, Build program.

We may, however, see the infrastructure development plan push through even after President Duterte steps down from office in June. That is if Senator Manny Pacquiao wins and becomes the commander-in-chief of the country. The presidential candidate made it known in a press conference during his campaign sortie in Iloilo.

In particular, Pacquiao assured the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Link Bridge will be constructed under his term. Proposed in 2017, the bridge is divided into two components: a 13-km long Panay-Guimaras link, and the 19.47-km long Guimaras-Negros link.

“Matutuloy yan dahil ipagpapatuloy natin ang 'Build, Build, Build' (BBB) program ni President Duterte dahil maganda talaga yan para sa bayan. Kasama po kasi ang infrastructure development sa economic growth kaya kailangan po talaga natin yan hindi lamang dito sa Iloilo, hanggang sa ka-Mindanaoan, at sa ibat-ibang sulok ng bansa” said Pacquiao.

[That will be realized because we will continue the 'Build, Build, Build' program of President Duterte because that is good for our country. Infrastructure development is part of the economic growth so we need that not only here in Iloilo but even in Mindanao and other parts of the country]

During a Senate hearing, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that construction is likely to begin in 2025, and will last until 2030 if the next administration would give the green light to the project.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has also confirmed engineering services for the bridge will soon be underway, and financial support will be given by the South Korean government through the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

Once the bridge is constructed, not only will the movement of goods and travelers be given a proper boost, but will also open up more economic opportunities for the country.