MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday pledged to support efforts to amend the decades-old Local Government Code of 1991, saying reforms are necessary to address long-standing financial and administrative limitations faced by local government units (LGUs).
Speaking during the oath-taking ceremony of new officers of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines in Malacañang, Marcos emphasized the need to update the law to improve governance and strengthen the capacity of LGUs across the country.
According to the President, the government is working with several agencies and local government groups to push amendments that will clarify responsibilities between national and local authorities while boosting fiscal capabilities at the local level.
“We are pursuing necessary amendments to the Local Government Code that clarify responsibility, strengthen accountability, and enhance the fiscal capacities of LGUs,” Marcos said.
The chief executive also highlighted efforts to improve coordination between national agencies and local governments. Part of the plan includes supporting LGUs in digitalizing frontline services and back-end systems to enhance efficiency and transparency in delivering public services.
Enacted in 1991, the Local Government Code was designed to decentralize governance and give local government units greater autonomy in managing local affairs. However, after more than three decades, officials say the law needs updating to address emerging governance challenges and ensure LGUs have adequate resources to meet the growing needs of their communities.
Marcos said the national government will continue working closely with lawmakers and local leaders to move forward with reforms that aim to modernize local governance and improve public service delivery nationwide.