Photo credit: Bongbong Marcos

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent directive to ensure prompt payment for contractors who have legitimately delivered public works projects is an important step for the nation’s economy. By guaranteeing that builders are compensated on time, the administration is protecting thousands of jobs, sustaining local supply chains, and reinforcing confidence in government led infrastructure programs.

Infrastructure spending is a critical driver of economic activity. Construction projects create employment, support materials suppliers, and stimulate related industries, from transport to logistics. Delays in payment not only disrupt these activities but also risk slowing the delivery of essential services that communities rely on, particularly flood control, roads, and bridges that safeguard lives and property. By acting decisively, the President is signaling that public funds are meant to support growth, not inadvertently stall it.

The importance of this decision becomes clearer against the backdrop of the country’s current economic climate. Growth has slowed, and the rainy season is approaching, with weather agencies forecasting multiple disturbances that could worsen flooding in vulnerable areas.

Timely infrastructure completion is therefore not just an economic imperative, it is a public safety necessity. Supporting projects with prompt payment ensures that essential works continue without interruption.

Recent joint inspections by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and private contractors help illustrate how this approach safeguards both accountability and progress. In Bulacan, flood control projects previously reported as missing were confirmed on the ground.

Some required finishing touches or corrective work, but these so called “ghost projects” were misreported due to incorrect coordinates from previous DPWH leadership. The contractors themselves were not at fault. Recognizing this distinction allows the government to act fairly, reward those who perform, and focus enforcement where genuine fraud occurs.

Contractors’ participation is central to the success of these infrastructure programs. When builders are confident that their work will be acknowledged and compensated, they are more willing to take on projects, maintain quality standards, and complete tasks on schedule.

Conversely, uncertainty about payment discourages participation, slows project execution, and weakens the broader economic benefits of infrastructure investment.

Accountability mechanisms, such as warranties, performance bonds, and deadlines for corrective work, remain in place to address substandard construction. Contractors who fail to meet these obligations can be compelled to act, and the government may intervene if necessary.

Yet, those who fulfill their responsibilities should be paid promptly, reinforcing both fairness and efficiency.

The President’s directive is therefore more than a policy decision, it is a statement about how infrastructure spending should function as a tool to generate employment, stimulate economic activity, and protect communities, while maintaining proper oversight.

By combining enforcement with timely compensation, the government can sustain growth, ensure public works are delivered effectively, and send a clear message that those who build the nation properly are supported and valued.