Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has welcomed the pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that national government projects must secure local government clearance before being considered complete.
“That is good, not because we need their permission. Actually, it is in the Local Government Code, we already know, except that it is not happening. But the national programs should be coordinated with the local government unit,” he said in an interview on Monday, Sept. 15.
Defensor said local government units (LGUs) are not present in the placement of national government projects but are, however, informed through status reports.
“We don’t want really to plan for the national government with respect to the national government programs. But if the President wants better involvement, that is very welcome,” he added.
While the projects provide jobs in LGUs, Defensor said coordination with LGUs is a good direction, especially since “alignment is very important.”
President Marcos, in a press briefing, said requiring the clearance from LGUs is an important check against substandard outputs.
He said this safeguard was removed during the previous administration and weakened accountability on public works.PNA
