Ilocos norte: At least three local officials in Ilocos Norte have expressed their approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent announcement mandating local government clearance before a national infrastructure project is considered complete.
According to Philippines News Agency, Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala emphasized that obtaining clearance from the local government unit (LGU) is crucial for ensuring quality assurance and compliance with laws and regulations. In a phone interview, Mayor Quilala highlighted the importance of this step in safeguarding community interests and project standards.
Currimao Vice Mayor Judith Quilala echoed this sentiment, stating that local officials should be involved in the planning stages of national projects. This involvement would help ensure that such projects align with the community’s development plans. Both officials pointed out that previous projects in their municipality could have been more effectively implemented if they had been properly informed and consulted.
During a press briefing in Malaca±ang, President Marcos stressed that requiring local chief executives to formally accept projects before they are declared finished serves as a vital mechanism to prevent substandard work. He noted that local officials are best positioned to verify whether infrastructure meets the required standards. This announcement comes amidst ongoing concerns about corruption in the government’s flood control projects.
The authority of LGUs to issue clearance on completed infrastructure projects was removed during the previous administration as part of efforts to streamline government processes. However, the new requirement aims to enhance transparency and accountability.
Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos also expressed support for the initiative, stating that the provincial government has proactively begun validating various infrastructure projects throughout the province. She reported that the first district has been reviewed and confirmed the absence of any fraudulent flood control projects. The validation process for the second district is ongoing, though the integrity of these engineering projects remains under examination.