Recto meets with LGU execs for transparent use of gov't funds

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto met with local government officials to ensure timely and transparent use of appropriations. 

According to a press release issued Wednesday, Recto’s meeting with heads of local government leagues complies with the directive of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. to make local government units not as mere recipients but active partners in utilizing the country’s financial resources.

The meeting focused on a rules-based alignment of national priorities with local needs and improvement of fund utilization, which will be based on a verifiable and measurable social good that the Local Government Support Fund can create. 

The General Appropriations Act earmarks P1.4 trillion in downloadable funds to provinces, cities, towns, and barangays while LGSF has an allocation of P57.87 billion.

Present during the meeting were Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) national president and League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) national chairman Governor Dakila Carlo Cua, LPP president Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) national president Mayor Francis Zamora, League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) president Mayor Faustino Dy V, and Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas national president Maria Katrina Jessica Dy.

Department of Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Toledo, Assistant Secretary Ryan Lita, and Assistant Secretary Angel Magtalas were also present in the meeting.

Also in attendance was Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos.—AOL, GMA Integrated News