A MEASURE requiring round-the-clock construction of the government’s flagship infrastructure projects has been filed in the Senate to accelerate delivery and minimize costly delays.
Senate Bill No. 797, filed on Aug. 4 by Senator Loren Regina B. Legarda, proposes that projects classified as flagship, cleared by the Investment Coordination Committee and Department of Economy, Planning and Development, or those where delays could result in major economic losses or disruptions to public services, be eligible for nonstop construction.
“These are not ordinary projects — they are high-impact investments with far-reaching implications for national mobility, economic growth and disaster resilience,” Ms. Legarda said in the bill’s explanatory note. “Delay in these projects is economically and socially harmful.”
Government infrastructure projects in the Philippines are often plagued by delays due to procurement bottlenecks, right-of-way issues and limited workforce capacity, which the bill seeks to address by mandating no fewer than three work shifts daily.
“With the right policy tools, shift structures, and safety protocols, round-the-clock construction can become not just possible, but essential to responsible and timely infrastructure delivery,” Ms. Legarda added.
Under the bill, implementing agencies must first determine whether nonstop construction provides clear economic benefits before requiring 24/7 work. “This avoids unnecessary cost increases for projects that do not benefit from speed, while compelling the government to act urgently on those that do.”
The proposal also requires policymakers to budget for the additional expenses that come with continuous operations, such as hiring extra workers, providing adequate lighting and safety gear and coordinating with host communities.
Exemptions from nonstop construction will be allowed if night work disrupts residential areas, worsens traffic or violates zoning rules. Work stoppages could also occur if a court issues a temporary restraining order or if safety concerns arise.
To address environmental and community impacts, the bill mandates that 24/7 construction activities observe sustainability standards. Contractors must install noise-dampening equipment, dust control systems and barriers to reduce light pollution, especially at night.
“By unlocking the night as a viable and protected window for priority infrastructure, governments can accelerate project delivery while minimizing impact to communities and economic activity,” according to the bill.
The proposal forms part of broader legislative efforts to improve infrastructure rollout, a key driver of economic growth under the government’s development agenda. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
