Iloilo governor supports Marcos’ LGU clearance policy

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to require local government unit (LGU) clearance for national projects, calling it a “good direction” that strengthens coordination between local and national governments.

In a press briefing on Monday, Sept. 15, Marcos said the policy would serve as an accountability mechanism and help prevent substandard project outputs.

He noted that the requirement was removed under the previous administration, weakening safeguards in public infrastructure planning and implementation.

In an interview, Defensor said the Local Government Code already mandates coordination between national programs and LGUs, but local governments are often excluded from the planning process.

“It is in the Local Government Code that national programs should be coordinated with local governments, except that we are not included in the placement of national projects,” he said.

“We are only informed through status reports.”

“We don’t really want to plan for the national government, but if the President wants better involvement, that’s very welcome,” Defensor said.

“It is more work for LGUs, but that is a good direction.”

“Alignment is very important.”

He noted that the country remains a centralized government, with most public funds controlled at the national level.

This makes early coordination essential for LGUs to effectively complement national programs.

“It is good that we talk from the very start so that the local government will know how to connect with national projects,” he said.

Defensor added that while flood control is often prioritized, other provincial programs should also be aligned with national plans from the beginning.