Manila, Nov. 18 -- Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito on Tuesday urged government agencies to ensure enough funds for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and other foreign-assisted projects (FAPs) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In a statement on Tuesday, Ejercito expressed concern after portions of the loan proceeds for the two flagship projects were reduced under the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

He warned that delays in fund releases may compel contractors to suspend work, "which in turn leads to prolongation costs and further setbacks in project implementation."

The lawmaker stressed that releases under the Unprogrammed Appropriations historically arrive only by the third quarter, c...