ILOILO City — Organizers of the recent Philippine Councilors League (PCL) National Convention here have denied allegations that some delegates were housed in motels during the three-day gathering, instead attributing the accommodation crisis to an unexpected influx of more than 700 unregistered participants that pushed attendance beyond 5,400 — far exceeding the original capacity of 3,500 delegates.
In an official statement issued on Aug. 3, the PCL Iloilo Chapter stressed that no motels were reserved by organizers and maintained that legitimate hotels and condominium units had been fully booked to accommodate delegates attending the convention and the 2nd Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) at the Iloilo Convention Center from July 29 to 31.
Contrary to reports circulating after the event, the chapter said its records showed that all accredited accommodations consisted only of legitimate hotels and condominium groups.
“A total of 62 legitimate accommodation providers (hotels and condominium groups) were fully booked throughout the 3-day event to serve our visiting councilors. While the sudden influx of over 5,400 participants presented unprecedented logistical challenges, PCL Iloilo, alongside the national board and the Iloilo City MICE Office, worked tirelessly to address emergency accommodation needs and ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees,” the PCL Iloilo Chapter said.
The chapter explained that the PCL National Executive Board informed Iloilo officials only during the first week of June that Iloilo City would host the national convention, leaving organizers with fewer than 60 days to prepare after the Department of the Interior and Local Government resumed training activities previously suspended under fuel-related austerity measures.
PCL Iloilo said its role was primarily supportive, particularly in identifying potential local speakers, while the national board directly supervised the convention preparations. Initial inspections indicated that hotels, condominium units and the Iloilo Convention Center could accommodate about 3,500 delegates.
By the first week of July, more than 3,300 councilors had already confirmed their participation and paid registration fees through the national secretariat. Organizers coordinated with 62 accommodation providers through two meetings to ensure adequate lodging, while the national board strictly enforced a “No Walk-In” policy to facilitate room assignments and convention kit preparation.
However, only days before the event, organizers were informed that expected attendance had jumped to 4,700, prompting requests for additional assistance from the Iloilo City Government after hotels reached full capacity. Actual attendance eventually exceeded 5,400, including more than 700 delegates who arrived without prior notice or registration, creating an immediate demand for hundreds of additional rooms.
The chapter added that many delegates who failed to pre-register cited delays in the release of cash advances and checks from their respective local government units, contributing to the unexpected surge in on-site arrivals./PN
