Romeo Ranoco, Reuters/File

DAVAO CITY - President Rodrigo Duterte is moving "very rapidly" in rebuilding the country's creaking infrastructure networks, outpacing his predecessor, Benigno Aquino, one of his economic managers claimed Tuesday.

Duterte has approved nine infrastructure projects and will approve up to seven more next week, compared to the 12 approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board under Aquino, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.

"We are moving projects very rapidly," Pernia told a consultative forum with businessmen here.

"Sixteen (approved) as of now (versus) 12 over six years. That is the kind of speed we are moving," he said.

Duterte has promised to raise spending on new roads, bridges, and transport terminals to seven percent of gross domestic product to usher in a "golden age" of infrastructure.

Pernia last week appealed to the public for patience as the roadworks would cause traffic jams. He said "passion" should come before "resurrection."