Bacolod mayor elected League of Cities president

MANILA, Philippines — Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte have been elected as the new president and executive vice president, respectively, of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP).

Newly elected Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella will assume the post of LCP chairman.

The LCP officials were elected during the 68th general assembly at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City yesterday. It is the first LCP assembly since the midterm elections in May. 

A total of 96 city mayors signed the consensus that voted for the new officials and board members with no objections. 

The reins were turned over by outgoing LCP president Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan and outgoing Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. 

Leonardia vowed to support the administration’s thrusts, including its centerpiece campaign against illegal drugs. 

“What is very fundamental is that we see to it that the LCP must be in line with the goals and objectives of the national government for us to be meaningful, relevant and significant,” he said during his acceptance speech.

Leonardia noted that the LCP should be an instrument for pushing the agenda of the Duterte administration. 

The LCP also created a new focal position, to be headed by first-termer Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, against illegal drugs in support of the drug war.

The LCP consists of 145 mayors engaged in promoting the welfare of their cities.