BICOL Saro Partylist Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has joined lawmakers led by ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo in pressing the congressional approval of a measure mandating ‘round-the-clock’ work in government infrastructure projects.

Yamsuan said the measure—House Bill (HB) 9666–will promote efficiency in implementing infrastructure projects and minimize the inconvenience to, as well as the time and productivity lost by, commuters and motorists.

“In other countries, it is expected that the repair and construction of roads and bridges are done 24/7. Tulad ng lagi kong sinasabi, dapat ay baguhin na natin ang ating mindset at mga dating nakagawian. Sang-ayon ako sa aking kaibigan at kapwa mambabatas, si Cong. Erwin Tulfo at iba pang kongresistang nagbalangkas ng HB 9666 na dapat ay gawing requirement ang pagtatrabaho 24 hours a day, seven days a week sa mga public infrastructure projects,” Yamsuan said in signing up as co-author of the measure.

“Isang dahilan ng matinding trapiko lalo na sa mga highly urbanized areas ay ang mga naantalang infrastructure projects. If we ensure that work is done round the clock, then this will greatly minimize the time wasted and productivity lost by our workers,” Yamsuan added.

Under HB 9666 or the proposed Accelerated Infrastructure Development Act, round-the-clock work applies to all infrastructure projects funded by the national government, local government units (LGUs), government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), “particularly those involving the construction, repair and maintenance of roads and bridges.”

Besides Erwin Tulfo, the bill’s authors also include ACT-CIS Partylist Representatives Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.

To ensure that public safety is not compromised in implementing this 24/7 schedule, the bill mandates the implementing agency to devise a suitable shift schedule for workers, taking into account the nature and scope of the project.

Training programs may also be initiated to enhance the skills of workers and improve their adaptability to the shifting schedule, according to the bill.

The measure also encourages the grant of incentives to contractors and workers to motivate compliance and ensure efficiency in implementing the 24/7 schedule in public infrastructure projects.

HB 9666 also states that adequate provisions should be made to ensure the welfare, safety and fair compensation of workers.

The bill also requires implementing agencies to conduct an environmental impact assessment on infrastructure projects; enforce health and safety standards to protect the well-being of workers; coordinate with labor agencies to ensure the availability of skilled personnel for the 24/7 operations; and hold consultations with affected communities to address concerns and gather feedback.

Implementing agencies that fail to adhere to the provisions outlined in the measure shall face penalties, including the possible reduction of their budgets for future projects.

Contractors found to be negligent in implementing round-the-clock operations may also face sanctions, including suspension from participating in government projects.