Local gov't officials slam lawmakers on 'counterproductive politicking'

The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) on Thursday expressed concern that the country may again be sinking into counterproductive politicking.

“While we support efforts toward transparency and integrity in government, we urge that non-partisan bodies, following the rule of law, be allowed to probe and if warranted, prosecute wrongdoing, so more attention is given priority development legislation,” a joint statement of the two groups of local officials said.

“We join the relentless effort of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to focus on economic development, and we share the concern of many Filipinos that the nation may again be sinking into counterproductive politicking,” the statement said.

The ULAP and LMP officials issued the statement during the induction of the new set of officers of the two local government bodies by the President yesterday afternoon in Malacañang.

The joint statement, which was read by Misamis Occ. Gov. Loreto Leo S. Ocampos, also called on Congress to give priority to the passage of the 2008 national budget which contains funds for various priority projects of local government units.

The local officials underscored the need for the enactment of the national allocation before the new year to avoid a repeat of the delays in the implementation of government projects as a result of the non-passage of annual budgets in previous years.