“VOICE of the local government units (LGUs).”

This was how vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte described senatorial aspirant Francis Ecudero.

During her talk show Sara All For You, Mayor Sara expressed support for the candidacy of Escudero, who is currently the Governor of Sorsogon.

Mayor Sara said Escudero will be the voice of local government units (LGUs) in the Senate as the latter vowed to push for their autonomy should he win in the May 2022 elections.

“I am happy to hear na babalik ka sa senado to push for more autonomy sa mga LGUs and of course their empowerment. Magiging boses ka na ng mga local government units diyan sa senado dahil sa experience mo as governor,” Mayor Sara said during Tuesday’s episode of the online show.

Escudero said LGUs have their own “best practices” hence, should be given autonomy by the national government.

“Maraming best practices ng iba’t ibang local na pamahalaan na kung sana mabibigyang laya lang ay tingin ko mas malaki ang maitutulong nila sa kanilang mga kababayan,” he said.

Escudero, who served as Senator from 2007 to 2019, said he is offering his extensive experience as a public servant.

“Sa pagbabalik ko at kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon sa Senado, layunin kong patotohanan ang awtonomiya, ang kalayaan, at mas malaki ang responsibilidad at bwelo para sa mga local na pamahalaan. Naniniwala ako na mas alam ng mga local chief executive – mayor man ng siyudad ng munisipyo at mga gobernador ang tunay na kailangan at dapat gawin sa kani-kanilang lugar,” he added.

He vowed to prioritize budgets because it will serve as the country’s instrument for change and economic progress.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas