Marcos urges officials to sustain efforts even after their terms

MANILA, Philippines — With the midterm elections nearing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on elected officials to sustain their efforts and the changes they made in the government even after the end of their terms.

Marcos made the pronouncement during the End-Term General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at the Manila Hotel.

In his speech, Marcos told government leaders to reflect on their work and to “embrace” the “grit, passion, and commitment to service” they had.

“Even beyond your tenure, I hope that you will adopt and sustain the reforms that we have introduced in national and local government,” Marcos said.

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He further emphasized the importance of continuing beyond one’s terms, especially with the advancement of technology and climate change.

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“So, we carry a mission that is more crucial than ever: we must lead and we must lead with integrity, serve with competence, and govern with a vision that extends beyond our terms in office,” Marcos said.

The president then recognized municipal mayors as “frontlines of governance” due to their role as the first to hear people’s concerns and to act on their needs; mayors also serve as the one connecting people with the national government.

Marcos shared that 714 local government units (LGUs) were conferred with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in 2024, much higher than the 493 in 2023.

“It is a clear sign that more local governments are boosting fiscal discipline and transparency,” said Marcos.