Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. has renewed his call to amend the 1991 Local Government Code, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to improve the effectiveness of local government units (LGUs) in delivering basic services.
Speaking at the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas press conference in Iloilo City, Abalos pointed out that many LGUs face significant challenges due to outdated policies and limited resources.
“Ang problema sa ground, pagdating ng implementation ng mga polisiya, medyo magulo. Ang Local Government Code ay mula pa noong 1991, at dapat na itong maamyendahan para maging mas epektibo (The problem on the ground is that when it comes to implementation of the policies, it's a bit chaotic. The Local Government Code was started since 1991, and it should already be amended to make it more effective),” Abalos explained.
He cited specific examples where LGUs struggle, particularly in infrastructure and social services. According to Abalos, many LGUs lack the financial capacity to build school buildings, barangay roads, and provincial hospitals. He added that while the Mandanas ruling has given LGUs more resources, the lack of corresponding adjustments in the law has caused confusion and delays in project implementation.
“Nakalagay sa batas na ang mga barangay ang dapat magpagawa ng barangay roads, pero 99% ng mga barangay sa Pilipinas ay walang sapat na pondo para dito. Sa karanasan ko bilang mayor at DILG secretary, halos walang LGU ang may kakayahang magpatayo ng ospital (The law provides that the barangays should be the one to build public roads, but 99% of the barangays in the Philippines have no sufficient funds for these. Based on my experience as Mayor and DILG secretary, almost all LGUs have no capacity to build a hospital),” he said.
Abalos emphasized that the amendment would streamline policies and ensure faster and more efficient delivery of services. He concluded by calling for unity among stakeholders to prioritize reforms that would help LGUs better serve their communities. PR