PNoy tells SC: Hasten decisions on infra projects

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Friday appealed to the Supreme Court (SC) to expedite decisions on government infrastructure projects so that their implementation will not be delayed.

In his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new SC complex in Fort Bonifacio, Aquino lamented that courts do not immediately issue the writ of possession, resulting in the delayed implementation of projects.

"May mga pagkakataong naaantala pa ang mga proyekto dahil kailangan daw ng determination of just compensation. Idudulog ko po: Sana agad nating matutukan ang paglalabas ng desisyon sa ganitong mga isyu," Aquino said during the event attended by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and other high court magistrates.

"Malinaw naman po sa batas ang karapatan ng gobyernong ituloy ang proyekto kahit hindi pa natatapos ang pagdinig ng korte sa usapin ng tamang kabayaran," he added.

Aquino also reminded the justices that the law prohibits courts from issuing temporary restraining orders (TRO) on infrastructure projects.

"Pero tingnan na lang natin ang nangyari sa sitwasyon ng isa nating expressway, kung saan naipit ang proyekto dahil di agad naglabas ng writ of possession ang hukuman. Kapag iniisip ko: dahil naantala ng ganitong mga hearing ang proyekto, para na ring na-TRO po ito," he said.

Aquino said if government projects are put on hold, then their benefits to the public are also delayed.

"Bukod rito, dahil delayed ang proyekto, tataas rin ang gastusin; ang dagdag na ginugol dito, puwede sanang nailaan para pondohan ang ibang serbisyo," the president said.