MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged governors to keep a close watch on government projects and expose any irregularities, warning that public money must never be diverted for personal gain.
Speaking at the oath-taking of new League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) officers in Malacañang, Marcos told local executives to ensure transparency and accountability in every initiative.
“Kaya’t hinihikayat ko kayo, paglingkuran natin nang buong katapatan ang sambayanan. Tiyakin natin na nasa wasto ang mga proyekto na ipinapatupad ng pambansang pamahalaan at ng lalawigan,” he said.
He added: “Isiwalat natin kung may makikitang taliwas dahil ang pera ng sambayanan ay pera ng bayan at hindi pansariling interes.”
The President said provincial leaders cannot look away from long-standing governance issues.
“Ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan ng bansang Pilipinas ang inyong pamumuno upang wakasan ang mga maling nakagisnan,” he stressed.
Marcos also reminded governors that they should serve as the public’s conscience.
“Magsisilbing gabay, magsisilbing boses at higit sa lahat, magsisilbing konsensiya,” he said.
South Cotabato’s Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and Quirino’s Gov. Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua were reelected as LPP president and chairperson, respectively, with other officers serving until 2028.
The league vowed to push for amendments to the Local Government Code in the 20th Congress./PN
