Go pushing for approval of right-of-way bill

MANILA, Philippines — Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go is pushing for the enactment of a right-of-way law to expedite the implementation of the country’s infrastructure projects as part of his wish list to the 19th Congress.

Go told reporters on the sidelines of the Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Association of the Philippines’  Solaia IT-BPM (Business Process Management) Awards, the country needs a good right-of-way law as the government is implementing many infrastructure projects.

“A lot of our infrastructure projects need a very efficient way of securing the right of way to make them move at the fastest, to speed them up,” he said.

He said all infrastructure projects, may it be roads, even those in energy, water and other utilities can benefit from a better right-of-way law.

Issues on the acquisition of right-of-way have been blamed for the delays in the completion of infrastructure projects.

“We need to move forward at the soonest possible time,” Go said.

Other proposed measures that are part of Go’s wish list are the Department of Water Resources bill, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) bill and taxation on digital services.

Go said a Department of Water Resources needs to be established to have a well-orchestrated program to ensure sustainable management of water resources and efficient delivery of water service to keep costs low.

He said water is  an important resource as this can be used to generate hydropower. It is also used for drinking and for agriculture purposes.

Go has been pushing for CREATE MORE, which seeks to clarify uncertainties in the implementation of the CREATE Act, particularly on the value-added tax and tax administration.

He said Senate President Francis Escudero has given assurance that CREATE MORE is on top of the list of priority bills to be worked on when Congress resumes session next month.

“The wonderful part is I think Senate President Chiz Escudero is very supportive of the bills that will help promote our economy,” he said.