Lacson pushes Web-based monitoring for provincial projects

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is pushing for Web-based monitoring of the implementation of infrastructure projects at the provincial level, to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Lacson said such a system could take a cue from that being implemented in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which uses apps like Google Maps.

"I would suggest (that this be implemented at the) provincial level. Provincial governments should replicate the ARMM's map-based solution," Lacson, who authored Senate Bill 40 seeking to implement budget reform by downloading resources to local governments, said at a Senate hearing.

This way, Lacson said provincial governments can ensure their constituents are informed and updated on the progress of infrastructure projects.

A Web-based monitoring system is included in Senate Bill 40, Lacson's bill that seeks budget reforms by ensuring that resources from the national government are downloaded to the local government units.

Under Senate Bill 40, which was discussed in Monday's hearing, the Web-based monitoring systems will be set up to monitor and evaluate programs funded by the local development funds.

An initial P100 million will be appropriated for such a system.

Information accessible to the public may include funding/cost, location, contractor, progress status, number of beneficiaries, date of completion and responsible government official, of the PAPs shall be disclosed.