Iloilo city: Senator JV Ejercito emphasized the urgency for the government to accelerate infrastructure spending to revitalize the economy, while ensuring accountability for anomalies in flood-control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a media interview at the Luzon cluster conference of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Ejercito remarked on the adverse effects of the economic crisis and the flood control scandal, which have resulted in reduced government expenditure. He highlighted the importance of balancing the economic recovery efforts with strict measures against those found responsible for irregularities, ensuring they face appropriate charges. Ejercito underscored the need for prompt infrastructure investments to stimulate economic growth, noting the slowdown in Philippine economic growth to 2.3% in the second quarter, compared to 5.4% in the same quarter the previous year, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Ejercito expressed his intent to urge the Department of Public Works and Highways to prioritize the completion of unfinished flood control projects to mitigate flooding risks. He also advised against initiating new flood control projects unless they are integrated into a comprehensive master plan.

In his capacity as the chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Ejercito acknowledged the challenges in deliberating the 2027 national budget amidst the ongoing impeachment case and the flood control project scandal. He emphasized the need to restore public trust in Congress and the budget process, continuing reforms started by former Senate Finance Committee chair and current Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. Ejercito assured that transparency would be enhanced in the budget process, with information made available online and active participation encouraged from civil society groups, the academe, and other stakeholders.

Ejercito also highlighted his commitment to supporting the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), which is being developed into a specialty hospital with dedicated centers for heart, lung, kidney, and cancer care. He pledged to secure funding for WVMC, recognizing it as a personal responsibility, having been involved in its expansion. Additionally, Ejercito plans to enhance provincial and district hospitals to perform surgeries and treat minor illnesses, aiming to ease the patient burden on the apex hospital.