Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order that national government projects must secure local government clearance before being deemed complete.
“That is good, not because we need their permission. Actually, it is in the Local Government Code, we already know, except that it is not happening. But the national programs should be coordinated with the local government unit,” Defensor said in an interview Monday.
He noted that LGUs are usually left out in the planning of national projects and only receive status reports. With Marcos’ directive, he said better coordination and alignment will be achieved.
“We don’t want really to plan for the national government with respect to the national government programs. But if the President wants better involvement, that is very welcome,” he added.
Defensor said while national projects create jobs in LGUs, ensuring coordination with local governments is “a good direction, especially since alignment is very important.”
Marcos earlier explained that requiring LGU clearance is an important safeguard against substandard outputs, a safeguard that was removed during the previous administration and weakened accountability in public works.