PRESS RELEASE
24 JANUARY 2024
ULAP SUPPORTS CHA-CHA
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), umbrella organization of all leagues of local government units (LGUs) and locally elected government officials in the country, supports the move to amend the 1987 Constitution.
In a recent resolution, ULAP cited the need for more responsive, accountable, and updated governmental frameworks that would enable LGUs to fully harness their potential in fostering local development and contributing to national progress.
ULAP added that amending the Constitution is necessary to help the country “align and address current realities,” particularly on issues brought about by the evolving economic landscape, rapid technological advancements, and heightened global interconnectedness after the 1987 Constitution was ratified.
“We in ULAP believe that the country could benefit from charter change as it would make both the national government and LGUs more flexible and dynamic, which are necessary amid the rapidly changing environment,” ULAP president and Quirino governor Dax Cua said.
ULAP also said that through the enactment of a new constitution, it endeavors to improve local bureaucracy, empower LGUs in resource mobilization and infrastructure development, foster better intergovernmental cooperation, and bolster future-proof local development.
The body also urged the legislative branch to “give due weight to the concerns and aspirations of LGUs when deliberating on and ratifying proposed amendments to the Constitution.”
The umbrella organization also urges the duly constituted constitutional bodies to “actively engage LGUs and/or ULAP and the leagues of local government units in the review process, ensuring their concerns and proposals are heard and duly considered.”
ULAP also vowed that it would actively participate in public discussions and information campaigns to represent the LGUs and apprise them of the proposed amendments and their potential benefits and impacts.
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