Accelerated Infrastructure Development Act of 2025

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 JUL -8 P5:24 First Regular Session SENATE Senate Bill No._ 251 Introduced by Senator Erwin Tulfo AN ACT STREAMLINING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THROUGH ROUND-THE-CLOCK OPERATIONS TO PROMOTE EFFICIENCY AND ITS EFFECTIVE EXECUTION EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippines came in at number 61 out of 67 nations in the International Institute for Management Development's 2024 World Competitiveness Yearbook in terms of infrastructure, one of the indicators used to quantify competitiveness. Particularly, the Philippines ranked 62rd in basic infrastructure, 55" in technological infrastructure, 60th in scientific infrastructure, 60th in health and environment, and 63ª in education infrastructure. 'This demonstrates the inadequacy of recent infrastructure reforms and accomplishments. To fully realize our country's potential and guarantee that no Filipino is left behind, infrastructure project deadlines must be accelerated through efficient planning, consistent funding, and efficient execution. This bill seeks to expedite the completion of government infrastructure projects by mandating round-the-clock operations. Specifically, the measure proposes a mandatory three-shift 24/7 work 1 IMD. World Competitiveness Ranking, Philippines Profile. Available at https://www.imd.org/entity- profile/philippines-wcr/#_factor Infrastructure. Accessed on 12 June 2025.

schedule for government infrastructure projects, allocation of funds to cover overtime, hazard pay, and logistics support for workers, and provide performance-based incentives to workers, among others. In view of the foregoing, the passage of the measure is earnestly sought. ERWIN'TULFO

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 JUL -8 P5:24 First Regular Session SENATE Senate Bill No. 251 Introduced by Senator Erwin Tulfo AN ACT STREAMLINING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THROUGH ROUND-THE-CLOCK OPERATIONS TO PROMOTE EFFICIENCY AND ITS EFFECTIVE EXECUTION Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the

"Accelerated Infrastructure Development Act of 2025".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy

of the State to enhance the efficiency and timely completion of government infrastructure projects, with a specific emphasis on roads and bridges. To achieve this, a comprehensive approach to round-the- clock operations shall be mandated to optimize resources and expedite project timelines.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all government

infrastructure projects of the national government, local and controlled government units, government-owned corporations, and all projects covered by Republic Act No. 11966 or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines, particularly those involving the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads and bridges, regardless of the source of funding.

SEC. 4. Round-the-Clock Operations. - As used in this Act:

a) All government infrastructure projects covered by this Act shall implement round-the-clock operations, to ensure continuous and efficient progress. b) The implementing agency shall formulate a suitable shift schedule, taking into consideration the nature and scope of the project, to maximize workforce and equipment utilization. Provided, that the number of shifts scheduled in a day shall be a minimum of three (3). c) Adequate provisions shall be made for the welfare, safety, and fair compensation of workers engaged in round-the-clock operations.

SEC. 5. Incentives. - Contractors and workers engaged in

16 government infrastructure projects under this Act may be eligible for incentives. The criteria and guidelines for the grant of incentives shall be established by the implementing agency.

SEC. 6. Workforce Management. -

(a) The implementing agency shall coordinate with relevant labor agencies to ensure the availability of skilled workers for round-the- clock operations. (b) Training programs may be initiated to enhance the skills of workers and improve their adaptability to shift work. to the

SEC. 7. Environmental Impact Assessment. - Prior

commencement of round-the-clock operations, an environmental impact assessment shall be conducted to evaluate and mitigate potential environmental effects. The results of the assessment shall be made publicly available.

SEC. 8. Health and Safety Standards. - The implementing

agency shall establish and enforce health and safety standards for

round-the-clock operations to protect the well-being of workers and mitigate potential hazards.

SEC. 9. Penalties. - Without prejudice to criminal and civil

liabilities under existing laws, willful failure or refusal of the contractors to comply with the provisions of this Act shall be punishable by the following penalties: a) For first violation - termination of contract and suspension for one (1) year from participating in any bidding for government infrastructure projects; b) For second violation - termination of contract and suspension for two (2) years from participating in any bidding for government infrastructure projects; or c) For any subsequent violation - termination of contract and perpetual disqualification from participating in any bidding for government infrastructure projects.

SEC. 10. Community Consultation. -

a) Prior to the initiation of round-the-clock operations, the implementing agency shall conduct consultations with the affected communities to address concerns and gather feedback on the implementation of government infrastructure projects therein. b) Mitigation measures shall be implemented to minimize disruptions to local communities.

SEC. 11. Arbitration Mechanism. - An arbitration mechanism

shall be established to resolve disputes arising from the implementation of round-the-clock operations, ensuring a fair and timely resolution.

SEC. 12. Research and Development. - A portion of the budget

allocated for infrastructure projects shall be earmarked for research and development initiatives aimed at identifying innovative technologies

and practices to further enhance the efficiency of round-the clock operations.

SEC. 13. Accessibility and Inclusivity. - The implementing

agency shall: a) Ensure that round-the-clock operations are accessible to all workers, taking into consideration the needs of vulnerable sectors, such as women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities; and b) Provide adequate accommodations and support services, as necessary.

SEC. 14. Public Awareness Campaign. - The implementing

agency shall conduct a public awareness campaign to inform the public about the benefits of round-the-clock operations, the anticipated impact on project timelines, and the measures taken to address potential concerns.

SEC. 15. Integration with National Development Plans. - The

implementation of round-the-clock operations shall be integrated into existing and future national and local development plans to ensure alignment with overall development goals.

SEC. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety

(90) days from approval of this Act, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in consultation with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including local government units, shall formulate the implementing rules and regulations necessary in the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 17. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee (JCOC). - A

Joint Congressional Oversight Committee shall be constituted to monitor and ensure the effective implementation of this Act, identify the deficiencies, limitations, and propose necessary amendments to address them.

The Committee shall be composed of three (3) members each from the Senate and House of Representatives to be designated by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The Committee shall be jointly chaired by the respective Chairpersons of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, 7 the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Public Works, and the Senate Committee on Finance. The Minority in the Senate and House of Representatives shall each have at least one (1) seat in the Committee, as Co-Vice 12 Chairpersons. The Secretariat of the Committee shall come from the existing Secretariat personnel of the Senate Committee on Public Works and the Committee on Public Works and Highways of the House of 17 Representatives. The JCOC shall conduct a hearing at least once every quarter to review the implementation of this Act and identify other necessary legislation. The Committee shall cease to exist after five (5) years upon the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 17. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the initial

implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the departments/agencies concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 18. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of

this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions and parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 19. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances,

rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 20. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,