Former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged local government units (LGUs) to submit their development plans to the Development Budget Coordination Committee early to ensure funding next year.
“By January – or even November or December the year before – the local development projects must be submitted to Malacanang or the Department of Budget and Management, so they can be included in the discussion of the budget for the next year,” he said.
“It will then be up to the DBCC to prioritize. My stand is, who else would know the needs and priorities of LGUs than the local officials themselves,” he added.
Lacson also advocated the Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment, where LGUs have more power, resources, and accountability in implementing essential development projects, programs and activities.
He said he is also looking into a proposal that would give LGUs one percent of their contribution to the national tax collection for infrastructure and development programs.
Meanwhile, ex-senator Gringo Honasan said he received an endorsement from Senator Loren Legarda for his Senate comeback bid.
In a video posted on Honasan’s Facebook page, Legarda said Filipinos need a leader who has experience, sympathy, and resolve.
“Si Senator Gringo Honasan, sundalo, mambabatas, lingkod bayan na hindi natitinag sa laban para sa kapayapaan, kaunlaran, at kalayaan. Mula sa pagsulong ng reporma sa politka at seguridad hanggang sa pagtataguyod ng karapatan ng bawat Pilipino, nagiging totoo siya sa kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin,” Legarda said.
(Senator Gringo Honasan, a soldier, legislator, and public servant who is unwavering in the fight for peace, development, and freedom. From advancing political and security reforms to upholding the rights of every Filipino, he remains true to his sworn duty.)
Gringo Honasan also thanked Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Bangsamoro Party president Muslimin Sema for their endorsement. —Mariel Celine Serquina/LDF, GMA Integrated News
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