ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is pushing for amendments to the Local Government Code to strengthen provincial autonomy and institutionalize ethical governance through a new alliance of provincial leaders called Governors for Good Governance (G4GG).
Defensor, a recognized Kaya Natin! Champion of Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, emphasized that the country’s outdated laws continue to limit local government innovation and flexibility.
“Ang mga good governance measures and good governance practices natin doon talaga manggagaling. We can only go as far as the Local Government Code and we are limited by the Local Government Code,” the governor said, underscoring the need for legislative reforms that will empower provinces to implement solutions responsive to their unique needs.
The governor recently met virtually with Romblon governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic and Zamboanga del Norte governor Darel Dexter Uy to lay the groundwork for G4GG, an emerging coalition of reform-oriented provincial executives. The meeting was facilitated by Wynona Galvez from the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) Secretariat.
According to Galvez, “It is about influencing national policies and sharing the best practices of different provinces.”
The formation of G4GG aligns with ongoing efforts of the League of Provinces of the Philippines to enhance local capacity and ensure that good governance principles — such as transparency, accountability, and people-first leadership — guide policy-making at the provincial level.
Defensor’s leadership in organizing G4GG positions Iloilo Province as a model of transparent and responsive governance. The alliance aims to build a strong network of governors who will advocate for legislative reforms, promote innovation, and ensure that public service remains rooted in integrity.
As G4GG enters its organizational phase, it seeks to create a collective voice among provincial leaders pushing for a more people-centered, empowered, and reform-driven governance framework across the country./PN
