Convergence is the key

(Excerpts of address before League of Municipalities of the Philippines National Assembly on Nov. 2 at Manila Hotel)

TO have a strong Republic, we need strong LGUs. LGUs have a critical role in the success of the National and Local Agenda for Peace and Development.

As a former local official myself, I believe in the innate capability, skill and determination of local officials to utilize their adequate powers to confidently confront the challenges confronted by our communities. Our country and our world today.

Last October 11, the Napolcom issued Memorandum Circular No. 2002-011 operationalizing the participation of local Chief Executives (particularly the city and municipal mayors) in the administration of the PNP as provided for under Republic Act No. 6957, as "amended", complement our previous issuances i.e. Napolcom MC Nos. 2002-003 and 004 which earlier defined and prescribed the duties and responsibilities of the provincial governor as deputies of the Napolcom in relation to their PNP provincial directors, chiefs of police and mayors.

SEC. 64 of Republic Act No. 8551 already provides for the automatic deputation of local government executives as Napolcom representatives.

Pursuant to SEC. 65 of R.A. 8551, the statutory deputation of local chief executives may (also) be withdrawn due to abuse of authority among other things which may also be restored upon good cause shown.

Provincial governors shall exercise general supervision over their mayors to ensure that they perform within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions as specified in Napolcom MC no. 2002-002.

So in this Napolcom Circular no. 2002-011. the role of city and municipal mayors have now been prescribed in detail. The term Operational Supervision and Control" shall mean the power to direct superintend, and oversee the day-to-day functions of police investigation of crime. Crime prevention activities traffic control in accordance with the Napolcom rules and regulations. To include the control and supervision of anti-gambling or anti-jueteng operations, except during the 30-day period before and after any national local or barangay elections.

This circular now provides guidelines over the execution of authority to:

1. Exercise administrative disciplinary powers;

2. Choose the chief of police;

3. Recommend appointment of new PNP members;

4. Recommend the transfer, reassignment of detail of PNP members; and

5. Conduct inspection and audit

With this also comes greater responsibility, transparency and accountability.

As we all know place and development are the tow sides of the coin peace has always been in tandem with development and vice versa where one cannot be achieved nor sustained without the other.

The fight against terrorism: We need your support!

We have just successfully concluded an International Conference to combat terrorism here in Manila participated in by several Asian countries.

To support our present efforts for peaceful and safer communities, we need you commitment to help us on the following anti-terrorism activities:

1. Reactivation and strengthening of your local peace and order councils with the active participation of your non-government groups and private or civil society organizations for your local anti-terrorism, anti-crime and anti-poverty campaign;

2. Organization of your local anti-terrorism committees to complement the efforts of the PNP and AFP in gathering information on the presence of suspected terrorists. In your area.

3. Adoption and implementation of your public safety plans with an anti-terrorism component that includes a provision on reporting and feedback mechanisms to law enforcement authorities to ensure regular monitoring of unusual and suspicious movements of inhabitants in your area.

4. Mobilization and training, through distance education, of all barangay tanods of your barangays. Focusing on intelligence gathering and reporting system. Among other concerns and to conduct regular, daily if possible, "RONDAS" and searches in public places in accordance with law.

Convergence is the key. Convergence of National and local initiatives is the key to opening up avenues where common solutions can be attained. To address the myriad of problems on poverty, peace and order and a most of other governance-related concerns, which will definitely redound to the greater good of our country and people.

We aim to continuously strengthen partnerships not only between the national and local governments. But more so among the 1,495 municipalities. This is, if we truly want to ensure a more effective and responsive municipal government.

This activity is but one of the opportune steps we take to converge our time effort, and resources in strengthening local autonomy – our basic foundation upon which we build a strong Philippine Republic.

For at the end of the day, local autonomy as enshrined in the local government code of 1991 will only find meaning when we witness that citizens become better off than before. A little happier than before with their government doing good things and better things for its people and not just once but on a sustained basis.