THE Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has raised concerns over the country’s continued struggles to meet key road and rail transport targets under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), citing persistent implementation challenges and weak absorptive capacity across agencies.
In its study covering the PDP, the Public Investment Program, and the national expenditure program, the government think tank reported significant gaps in project completion and spending.
“Most of the persistent implementation challenges include right of way, acquisition, financing, political intervention, weak technical capacity of LGUs, natural calamities, and project management issues,” PIDS stated.
Delays in permitting, unfinished site clearing even after construction completion and poor project management practices further compounded the shortfalls.
The study also noted disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which impacted the supply of labor and construction materials.
Another factor, PIDS said, was the delay in releasing “for later release” (FLR) funds—budget items often tied to congressional insertions that require presidential approval.
“Many of these funds, which were prevalent in the previous administration, were earmarked for road infrastructure,” it added.
On the other hand, despite some progress in extending national road length, road density remains low in most regions, reflecting limited connectivity.
“Although the quality of national roads continues to improve, 1.25 percent are still gravel and 0.09 percent are earth roads,” PIDS said.
Moreover, data on local roads is sparse, and what exists points to major connectivity gaps and low-quality infrastructure.
PIDS cited a 2017 survey of selected local government units (LGUs) that found nearly half of municipal roads were unpaved. Interviews conducted as part of the study revealed that more local roads were rated “poor” to “bad” than “good” to “fair.”
It also reported a worsening in the national road roughness index. Many temporary bridges across various regions are still made of timber or bailey structures, and the agency recommended upgrading them to more permanent materials like concrete or steel.
In the rail sector, the study noted that while efforts to modernize and expand the network are underway, the overall backlog remains significant.
Compared to its Asean neighbors, the nation still lags in both the quality and scale of its rail transport infrastructure.
Strengthening accountability
While enacting a long-term transport plan through legislation would provide stronger enforcement, PIDS noted that the existing National Transport Policy, issued by the Development Planning Board, already offers guiding principles that implementing agencies can adopt.
The think tank also called for transparency in monitoring compliance with these principles, especially during interagency meetings under the Development Planning Board’s Infrastructure Committee and its technical working group on transport planning.
One key mandate under the current transport policy, PIDS noted, is the creation of a Philippine Transport Master Plan. However, the resolution and its implementing rules do not assign responsibility or funding for the plan’s preparation.
“Since the plan is a mandate that the executive branch set for itself, the next logical steps should be to arrange the financing for such a master plan and assign responsibilities to the lead agency and members,” the report stated.
