Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between the national and local governments to ensure the immediate and efficient delivery of service to the Filipino people. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended the recent launching of an initiative aimed at elevating the national government's support for all local government units (LGUs), saying the move was meant to ensure the prudent and efficient use of public funds.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated, "Kailangan ng pagtutulungan. Kailangan ng pondo. Hindi naman po ibig sabihin na bibigyan ng pondo ang local government units ay iku-konsidera na ito na pork barrel (We need cooperation. We need funding. This does not mean that just because local government units are given funds, it should already be considered a pork barrel)." She emphasized the necessity of collaboration between the national and local governments to effectively assist the Filipino people.
Castro's statement came a day after ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio claimed that Malaca±ang's rollout of the 'Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang' program was a clear attempt to consolidate the Marcos administration's political machinery ahead of the 2028 elections using 'billions in 'LGU pork.'' The program formally launched the record-breaking PHP57.87-billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which was expanded to further bolster priority programs.
Tinio alleged that the LGSF, which he described as 'LGU pork,' would serve as a 'war chest' to protect Marcos against corruption allegations and consolidate support for the 2028 elections. In response, Castro lamented that Marcos' strategic approach to national development continues to face criticism. She urged critics to offer constructive suggestions to address national issues rather than focusing on criticism.
"Puro paninira, pang-iintriga. Hindi po yan kailangan ng bayan ngayon. Suhestyon at hindi panunumbat ang sagot para maibsan ang problemang naranasan ng iba natin mga kababayan (It's all smear campaign and intrigue. That's not what the country needs right now. What we need are suggestions-not blame-to help ease the problems being experienced by our fellow citizens)," Castro stated. She expressed disappointment over the negativity surrounding the initiative and reinforced the need for cooperation between national and local governments.
Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the LGSF was increased by PHP34.87 billion, bringing the total allocation to PHP57.872 billion, the highest in its history. Among the priority programs funded under the LGSF is a rice assistance initiative that will provide over five million Filipino families with 60 kilos of rice annually, or 10 kilos per month for six months. The fund will also support the construction of hospitals and health stations, climate-resilient evacuation centers, farm-to-market roads, water systems, and electrification projects.
