President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered Cabinet members and agency heads to complete government projects on time and within budget, as a way to address public frustration over delays in meeting immediate, day-to-day needs.

Reiterating his commitment to safeguarding public funds against misuse, President Marcos pressed government officials to deliver vital projects and programs on schedule without overspending.

“Hamon ko sa Gabinete at mga pinuno ng ahensya, siguruhing matatapos ang mga proyekto nang ayon sa schedule at sa budget,” the President said during the ceremonial signing of Republic Act (RA) 12145 and RA 12180 in Malacañang.

“Kasabay nito, nangangako tayo na magiging mas mahusay at tapat ang pamahalaan sa paggugol ng pondo ng bayan. Sa ganitong paraan, mas tataas ang kalidad ng ating buhay,” the President stressed.

During the same ceremony, President Marcos told officials in the executive branch to stop allowing project costs to exceed the planned budget and extend completion deadlines without a justified reason.

The President also told Cabinet officials and agency heads to discontinue projects that do not benefit the public and merely waste public funds.

“Hindi na tayo papayag na may masyadong cost-overrun, mayroong mga time extensions kung wala namang makatwirang dahilan. And no to non-performing projects,” the President stressed.

President Marcos also said his administration will be stricter in approving new official development assistance (ODA) loans, given the delayed implementation of some ODA-financed projects.

ODA loans are provided by one government to a developing country at low interest, long-term, and concessional terms to support development projects and programs.

“Nasabi ko na rin noon na dapat lahat ng ODA loan, lalo na ang mga lubos na na-delay ay masusing pinag-aaralan. Mas magiging strikto na rin ang approval ng ODA loan simula na ngayon,” the President said. | PND