Duterte to help get funds for Cebu infrastructure projects

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has vowed to help Cebu City find funds for its infrastructure projects.

Duterte, who traces his roots to Cebu, said he is ready to tap loans from China to support the city’s infrastructure projects.

“There will be a time that we would talk... be talking about how to improve it. I’ll be back... I will help you find the (the sourcing for that),” the President said in his speech during the 40th Sinulog Festival on Sunday.

“It will come to that if you really need more money. But the loan would come from China... America can’t give us anything apart from arms... What we really need is something to spruce up the provinces,“ he added. 

The President said mobility is a problem because Cebu is an old city.

“We can’t expand or build larger buildings... You cannot expand anymore... If you could make it a mass transportation, that would be better... It’s either train or skyways. Let’s opt for elevated highways,” he said.

Duterte said he would no longer approve projects that could not be completed  before the end of his term.

“In Manila, we have focused on building skyways which are now nearing completion. Probably...everything will be finished before December this year. I told them that just like what I intend to do in Cebu, I do not want any projects left unfinished,” the President said.

Duterte said unfinished projects would create an impression that his administration pocketed public funds.