Bong Go hails huge infrastructure boost under PRRD term during opening of CALAx Silang East Interchange; highlights 'political will' has bear fruit to benefit Filipinos

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go praised the Duterte Administration for continuing to spur a new era of infrastructure development in the country during the inauguration of the Cavite - Laguna Expressway (CALAx) Silang East Interchange section which he personally attended on Tuesday, August 24.

The CALAx is a public-private partnership between the government and MPCALA Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. The project is a 45-kilometer closed-system tolled expressway which connects the Manila - Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx) to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx).

"The opening of the CALAx will greatly improve the mobility of many Filipinos who are residing in Cavite and Laguna but are working in the National Capital Region. Apart from that, it will also provide an alternate route to Tagaytay, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region," said Go.

"The flagship Build, Build, Build Program of the Duterte Administration is not only brought about by the need for infrastructure development, but is also a result of our current administration's determination and strong political will to provide comfortable lives for all Filipinos," he continued.

The CALAx reduces the travel time between CAVITEx and SLEX from one hour and 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Construction began at the CAVITEx Connection in Kawit, Cavite and ended at the SLEX - Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan City, Laguna.

In addition to addressing the traffic congestion at the Aguinaldo Highway and Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay Road, the project also improves the competitiveness and promotes the CALABARZON region as an investment area. The CALAx is expected to be completed by early 2023.

In light of this achievement, the Senator commended President Rodrigo Duterte for his success in engaging the private sector in a very transparent manner following the right processes as provided by law, while overcoming the bureaucratic and legal hurdles which delayed the completion of various critical infrastructure projects for many years.

"Gusto ko lang pag-usapan itong political will. Lahat naman ng administrasyon ay merong mga sariling infrastructure projects na nakaalan. Pero ito 'yung nangyari sa administrasyon ni Pangulo Duterte. Ang Skyway, halimbawa, naging mahirap tapusin 'to dahil maraming properties ang matatamaan," said Go.

"Nag-warning si Pangulo sa mga nag-file ng temporary restraining order. Finally, marami ang natapos na proyekto. Dahil 'yan sa political will. Palagi pinapaalala ng Pangulo na unahin natin 'yung interes ng kakaramihan to make life more comfortable for all Filipinos," he added.

Go also noted the President's humility for refusing to put his name on any public or private project. He echoed the same sentiments and asked CALAx and other concerned officials to refrain from putting politicians' names on any infrastructure project.

"Kahit sa mga projects sa barangay, pinapatanggal ng Pangulo ang pangalan niya. Kahit nung nag-mayor at congressman siya, ayaw niya talaga ipalagay 'yung pangalan niya dahil para sa kanya, pera ng gobyerno 'yan. Sa tao 'yan eh," continued Go.

The Senator continued his message, recognizing Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar for their unwavering commitment, dedication and hard work to provide solutions to the address to country's critical transportation and infrastructure needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also thanked Tugade for his leadership in addressing the issues surrounding the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) and willingness to heed the call of the public as echoed by the Senate earlier to address their concerns regarding the scheme.

"Pumayag na si President Duterte na i-revisit 'yung MVIS. Alam namin na inuuna mo lang ang safety ng mga motorista dahil maraming sasakyan ang hindi roadworthy at kapakanan ng mga motorista ang iniisip niyo. Ngunit nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya," reminded Go.

"Ayaw natin mahirapan ang mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na 'yung mga mahihirap na nangangailangang mag-travel ang far as 150 kilometers para lang mag-renew ng kanilang registration. Sobrang hirap ang Pilipino ngayon. Tulungan natin sila sa panahong ito," he appealed.

Go also acknowledged the MVP Group of Companies for its continuing support and assistance towards the development endeavors of the government. He assured that the Duterte Administration is committed to supporting critical development projects that aim to boost job creation and improve the nation's economic competitiveness.

"Maraming, maraming salamat para sa inyong suporta kay Pangulong Duterte. Alam ko na nandidiyan kayo 'di lang para sa administrasyon kundi para tulungan ang Pangulo na gawing komportable ang buhay ng mga Pilipino. Nandidito lang kami ni Pangulong Duterte handang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Hindi kami nangangako na kaya namin ang lahat pero magtatrabaho kami sa abot ng aming makakaya para sa inyo," vowed Go.

The ceremony was also attended by Secretary Tugade, Secretary Villar, Cavite Governor Juanito Remulla, DPWH Underscretary for Planning Maria Cabral, Build Build Build Committee Chair Anna Mae Lamentillo, and MPIC President and Chief Executive Office Jose Lim, among others.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. They cited his many years of service under President Duterte and "heart for his country" through the various projects he initiated which have benefited millions of Filipinos.