MANILA, Philippines – Forget 2016, and focus on your people.

President Benigno Aquino III, speaking to over 1,200 municipal mayors, did not hold back in hitting politicians focused on the elections two years away rather than serving their constituents.

At the general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) on Tuesday, March 18, the Chief Executive reminded mayors to prioritize the needs of their municipalities to ensure progress.

“Progress is only impossible when the leader is thinking of their own interests and looking good for the coming elections. Instead of [them] fulfilling long-lasting and wide-reaching programs, [they] are only implementing projects that are after photo-ops [and] are no longer helpful,” he said.

Aquino said the focus of leaders should instead be on serving the people. He vowed that the national government is willing to help local government units (LGUs) that want to implement beneficial projects.

“What I can assure you is, if you are on the straight path, if you are on the side of our bosses, we will make sure you are not alone. The national government is working hard to make it easier for those who want to institute reforms,” he said.

Praises for Mar

The President then pointed to Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and praised his initiatives to help local officials.

He cited Roxas’ work in expanding the Seal of Good Housekeeping program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which was started by the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

“He (Roxas) did not only continue this, he strengthened and expanded it in order to ensure the agenda of reform can be done quicker and more effectively,” Aquino said.

“This January 2014, Secretary Mar launched the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). Aside from the the honest and efficient spending of government funds, the SGLG also presents guidelines for disaster preparedness, care for the environment, focus on sectors marginalized by society and have special needs, developing businesses and maintaining peace,” he said.

For his part, Roxas avoided any talks on the upcoming polls.

When asked about 2016, Roxas simply responded, “It’s only 2014 right now,” and excused himself.

Roxas is believed to be the standard bearer of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) for the 2016 presidential elections. The LP has yet to announce its candidate, arguing they are not focused on the polls but on instituting reforms before Aquino’s term ends.

Roxas originally prepared as the standard bearer of the Liberals in 2010, but gave way to Aquino. He lost in the vice presidential race.

Incentives for LGUs

Aquino said the SGLG was an “invitation.”

According to the President, 1,372 provinces, cities, and municipalities – or 80% of LGUs – have achieved the minimum requirements for the SGLG in 2013. He also said 719 provinces, cities, and municipalities have taken advantage of the government’s Performance Challenge Fund worth about P1 billion.

The fund, started in 2011, is described by the DILG “as an incentive fund to LGUs in the form of counterpart funding” for projects “consistent with national goals and priorities.”

Aquino encouraged LGUs to tap the fund.

“I want to emphasize: the Performance Challenge Fund is for all those who want to fulfill their promises as public servants,” he said.

“You don’t need to suck up to be granted the Performance Challenge Fund. And no matter what party you are from, as long as you are clearly doing service and are following the rules, you will be given funds and incentives to uplift the lives of your people,” he added

He could not help but joke, however, that they are also welcome to join the LP.

“But if you want to join us, you are also welcome,” he said, eliciting laughter. 

Aquino also said 228 of 271 targeted municipalities that have been affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) have already submitted their proposals to restore their areas and rebuild their markets and civic centers. The total amount of requested funds so far has reached P600 million.

“Because you have submitted your program of works, the DILG commits to releasing the funds 10 days since your submission,” he said, which was greeted with applause.

But he also reminded the LGUs to start preparing for the upcoming typhoon season. (READ: Aquino: Yolanda delays the fault of Tacloban gov’t)

“In just 3 months, we will return to the rainy season again wherein the typhoons will start coming. We’ve already shared with you maps of disaster-prone areas. So please focus on them while we still have time, so we can say, ‘We’ve done everything we can do,'” he said.

The annual general assembly of LMP is usually set for the 3rd week of November. Last year’s event however was postponed to this year after Yolanda. – Rappler.com