Sen. Marcos Vows to Remain As Champion of LGUs

Vice Presidential contender, Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday vowed to continue championing the cause of local government units and local officials.

This developed as Marcos met with Barangay Officials of Quezon City's 3rd District discussing with them over lunch at a carinderia in Pacmac Compound at Brgy. Mangga the important issues concerning LGUs.

Led by their Liga Chairman, Barangay Captain Cesar dela Fuente, the QC Barangay Officials thanked Marcos for his consistent effort in promoting their interests, particularly with the approval in Congress of the Senator's bill providing retirement benefits to Barangay Officials and Workers.

"Kung mamarapatin ninyo ako'y handa pang magsilbi at ipagpatuloy ang aking ginagawa bilang boses ng local governments," Sen Marcos, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government expressed.

Likewise Marcos assured Barangay Officials to press efforts in connection with their clamor for a longer term. The Senator filed a bill in the 15th Congress seeking to extend to 5 years the current 3 year term of Barangay Officials but it met strong opposition from Malacañang and failed to pass.

"Ang ginagawa namin ay yung kahit ma-postpone muna ang barangay elections sa October 2016 para magkaroon ng panahon ang Kongreso na pag-aralang mabuti yung panukalang term-extension," Marcos said.

Marcos is still hoping it will still be possible to pass such measure within the remaining session days of the 16th Congress.

Apart from the Barangay Officials Retirement Benefits Bill, Marcos also spearheaded efforts in the Senate for the passage of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Bill meant to empower the youth and train them as the country's future leaders.

Likewise, Marcos has been pushing for a larger share of LGUs in the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), from the current 60-40 in favor of the national government to an even 50-50 sharing.

"Majority of our local government units rely mainly on their IRA for their operations that is why I believe it is but proper to give our LGUs a larger share of the IRA," he stressed.

Marcos met the residents of Barangays Old Balara, Escopa and Tatalon where he received warm welcomes.