By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Local officials are urged to comply with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directives to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs, corruption, and terrorism.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año reminded 74 governors and 1,538 city and municipal mayors who attended a meeting with the President in Manila on Tuesday that there are mechanisms already in place, particularly Emergency 911 and Hotline 8888, to combat illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.
“At bilang pinuno ng inyong mga lokalidad, siguraduhin niyong agad na maaaksyunan ang mga reklamong natatanggap sa mga platapormang ito (As local leaders, make sure to take action on complaints received through these platforms),” he said.
“Use your influence to persuade your sangguniang panlalawigan, panlunsod at pambayan to enact ordinances to localize national laws that address pressing concerns. And, as mandated by the Local Government Code, use your authority to ensure that these ordinances are implemented. Lastly, use your leadership to encourage your constituents to support your quest for change and good governance,” Año said.
Año urged local officials to comply with the President’s directives during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“Sa SONA ng ating Pangulo, narinig na natin ang utos niya sa ating mga local government units na dapat ay tatlong araw lamang ang pagpoproseso ng permits (In the President’s SONA, he mentioned that LGUs should process permits only within three days). Let us all help fulfill the President’s promise to cut down red tape, regain investors’ trust, and foster a competitive business environment,” he said.
He also said the administration is in full swing in defeating the communist insurgency.
“The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Insurgency is laying the foundation for this fight. The hard approach is being administered by the military, police and other law enforcements. And as you support them in their operations, I urge you to take the lead in the soft approach through the conduct of localized peace talks, and the implementation of Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” he said.
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