INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos expressed his desire to see present Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC) amended to make it more relevant to the evolving political, economic and social times that will allow local chief executives to act effectively for the benefit of their constituents.

Speaking to Pangasinan officials led by Governor Ramon Guico III during the Binmaley town fiesta on January 31, Secretary Abalos said apart from the devolution of programs and services as provided for in a Department Order of the Department of Budget and Management the allocated windfall of funds to the LGUs, he said the Local Government Code must be amended.

He also told local officials that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is giving his full support to all local government units in the country and wants them all to succeed in providing better service to their constituents.

Citing the Mandanas ruling of the Supreme Court that allocates LGUs bigger share from all taxes collected by the national government, Abalos said he is confident that the LGUs can bring about better high capacity and high performance in local governance once the Local Government Code is amended.

He said under the devolution as provided for in the Mandanas ruling, LGUs can undertake construction and repair of school buildings, build communal irrigation and barangays roads and even seaports.

Abalos, himself a former mayor of Mandaluyong City and previously chairman of MMDA, he called on the province’s  local government officials to recommend on what portions of the LGC need to be amended to ensure a more effective local governance.

Meanwhile, the secretary assured Pangasinan officials that DILG can help build jails, noting that existing jail facilities throughout the country are now over-crowded, with a new policy to address the lack of land donors for the jail facility.

He said usufruct of land will do if donation is not possible.

He also pledged to give fire trucks to towns still without fire trucks and help build fire stations.

Meanwhile, on his recent call to all generals and colonels to tender their courtesy resignation, he said the objective is to cleanse the ranks and enable the PNP to have a fresh start.

He surprised his audience when he said he is from Pangasinan as his father, Benjamin Abalos Sr. was born in Tayug and their roots are from the province. The secretary said Binmaley Mayor Pedro Abalos Merrera III is, in fact, his cousin. (Leonardo Micua)

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