President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on governors nationwide to help curb irregularities and ensure the proper implementation of government projects.
Marcos made the call, as he led the oath-taking of the new set of officers of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), led by reelected national president South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
In a keynote speech, Marcos is optimistic the LPP will work with his administration in eradicating corruption in government, urging them to serve with integrity and expose any irregularities.
“Now, more than ever, the Philippines needs your leadership and guidance to end the longstanding wrongful practices. The fight has just begun and we still have a long way to go. I hope that you will be with us every step of the way, in scrutinizing projects and in shedding light on those who hide in the shadows,” he said in Filipino.
“Let us serve the people with utmost integrity. Let us ensure that the projects implemented by both the national and local governments are done properly. And let us expose any irregularities we may find, because public funds belong to the nation—not to personal interests),” he added.
Marcos made the call, amid thorough investigation into the flood control projects that led to the discovery of anomalous and “ghost” projects.
He asked the LPP to serve as a “guide, voice, and conscience” in addressing pressing issues, as part of efforts to build a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).
“In this way, we will be able to build a New Philippines where every Filipino has the opportunity to prosper, feels secure about the future, and has trust in the government,” Marcos said.
Marcos emphasized the importance of faster and improved government frontline services by harnessing new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and other innovations.
He also hoped for the wider implementation of the zero-balance billing program, following its successful rollout in 78 Department of Health-run hospitals.
“My appeal is for this program to also be widely implemented in hospitals under local government units — where our poor and ailing citizens would no longer have to pay out of pocket,” Marcos said.
The LPP is a non-stock corporation that seeks to articulate and address issues affecting provincial and metropolitan administrations while pursuing lawful and practical solutions to challenges faced by localities.
Over the next three years, the LPP aims to support the President’s agenda by advocating for prior consultation with local government units in the implementation of national infrastructure projects to ensure accountability, transparency and fairness.
The LPP will also focus on solutions to the worsening solid waste management, frequent flooding caused by climate change and funding for disaster preparedness.
A primary goal of the LPP is to lobby the 20th Congress to amend the 1991 Local Government Code to update outdated provisions and enhance LGU fiscal autonomy.
Other priorities include the full implementation of provincial functions under the Universal Health Care Act and improving the delivery of quality social services to communities.
