Duterte to courts: Don’t issue injunctions vs gov’t projects

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday asked courts to stop issuing restraining orders against government projects.

“Sabihin ko sa mga tao ko dito sa executive department wag kayong maniwala diyan. Pu------ yan,” he added.

In issuing his warning against the courts, Duterte cited instances where losing bidders file cases against the project and the courts issue injunctions, which lead to delays in project implementation.

Under Republic Act 8975, only the Supreme Court can issue injunctions on "national government infrastructure, engineering works and service contracts."

Activities covered by the law are the "acquisition, clearance and development" of the right-of-way or projects sites; bidding and awarding of projects; commencement, execution, implementation and operation of the project; termination of the project; and "the undertaking or authorization of any other lawful activity necessary for [the project]."

The Duterte administration has been pushing for so-called emergency powers to speed up the implementation of infrastructure projects meant to ease traffic in the capital and other urban centers but Congress has yet to approve the granting of those powers.

COA warned

Duterte also warned the Commission on Audit against delaying government projects.

“So hindi matuloy kasi may kaso ke-overpriced. If there is a bidding at ang COA, nakita nila it's approved and nothing is wrong there... I do not want COA to find out a fault one year after. Do not do that,” Duterte said.

“Sasabihin ko na sa COA ngayon ‘wag ninyong gagawin yan. Masyadong pahirapan na ‘yan,” he added.

Last May, Duterte also said he is ready to defy the courts if it delays the implementation of government projects. He also threatened to ask the cops to defy the courts and follow orders if temporary restraining orders delay the state projects.