JV Ejercito assures no repeat of foreign-assisted project funding disruptions
September 18, 2026
Senator JV Ejercito assured that there would be no repeat of funding disruptions that have affected foreign-assisted projects under his watch as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, stressing the need for continuous and adequate funding to keep major transportation projects on track and ensure that Filipino commuters can benefit from them as soon as possible.
“Bilang inyong Finance chair, be rest assured na iyong nangyari noon, na debacle, na nalagay sa unprogrammed appropriations ang foreign-assisted projects hindi na ‘yan mauulit,” Ejercito said.
Ejercito made the assurance as he called for a closer examination of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) foreign-assisted projects, particularly major transportation infrastructure financed through foreign loans.
“We also need to closely examine the Department’s foreign-assisted projects, particularly our major transportation projects funded through foreign loans,” he said.
He noted that previous funding disruptions had affected the implementation timelines of major transportation projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway.
Warning that funding disruptions can have serious consequences for mass transit projects, Ejercito cited Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) data indicating that Metro Manila’s traffic crisis already costs P3.5 billion daily, with economic losses projected to reach P5.4 billion per day if public transportation projects are neglected.
He stressed that these projects must remain on schedule, loan proceeds must be used efficiently, and delays must not result in additional costs or financial obligations for the government.
“We want to see our major transportation projects completed. Hindi puwedeng taon-taon tayong naglalaan ng malaking pondo pero nauulit ang delays, right-of-way problems, at revised completion dates,” Ejercito said.
He pointed out that delays can lead to additional expenses for the government, including commitment fees, prolongation costs, and other costs resulting from disruptions in project implementation.
The DOTr also said funding interruptions can force contractors to suspend work or demobilize their workforce, which can further delay project implementation and increase costs once construction resumes.
“Kaya kailangan nating protektahan ang pondo para sa mga foreign-assisted projects. Obligations must be honored, and funding must be available when projects need it,” Ejercito said.
Ejercito pointed out that the impact of project delays is felt not only by the government but also by commuters who continue to wait for improved transportation services.
“Hindi lang po ito tungkol sa dagdag na gastos ng gobyerno, kundi sa mga serbisyong dapat sana ay napapakinabangan na ng ating mga kababayan,” Ejercito said.
