MANILA, Philippines — Freshly installed Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez stated on Tuesday, October 27, that insufficient financial backing remains the primary culprit behind delayed national infrastructure projects, emphasizing that strong execution alone cannot compensate for a lack of resources.
Speaking during a press briefing, Lopez highlighted the financial constraints facing major public works:
“Kahit anong implementation mo, kung walang pondo, kung kulang ang pondo… maaantala’t maaantala.”
As part of his initial steps in office, Lopez announced plans to collaborate with returning Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to evaluate the budget allocations and funding necessities for both the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Among the high-profile initiatives scrutinized is the ongoing construction of the MRT Line 7. Despite previous setbacks, Lopez expressed optimism that the railway system is on track to commence partial operations by 2027.
The leadership transition follows a Cabinet reshuffle directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which saw Lopez and Dizon swap agency portfolios on Monday.
According to the administration, Dizon returns to the DOTr to prioritize commuter mobility solutions, while Lopez steps in to drive institutional reforms at the DPWH.