PCL National Board Sets Strategic Direction for 2026 🇵🇭 The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) successfully convened its first National Board Meeting of the year on April 17, 2026, at the PCL Hostel and Advocacy Center. Presided over by National Chairman Atty. Raul Corro, the session brought together the Regional Council Chairpersons, Island Vice-Chairpersons, Advocacy Committee and Legislative Academy to address the league’s legislative and organizational priorities. Key Highlights from the Session: National Convention Success: Despite the challenges of a national energy emergency and travel restrictions, the 2026 National Convention achieved a net income of ₱23 million, with 8,131 delegates participating at the World Trade Center. Institutional Accountability: To uphold strict ethical standards, the Board approved a Mandatory Turnover Policy. This policy requires outgoing officers to transition records, funds, and assets to ensure organizational continuity and transparency. Legislative Advocacy: The Board drafted a resolution urging the national government and Congress to temporarily suspend the implementation of RA 12001 (RPVARA) to provide economic relief amid escalating oil prices. Strengthening Internal Pillars: A new revenue-sharing scheme was approved to bolster the PCL Legislative Academy and the Advocacy Committee. This ensures dedicated mobilization funds for their respective training and policy programs. Initiating Strategic Partnerships: The Board explored potential collaborations with PAGCOR for facility upgrades—including a new Advocacy Hub in Las Piñas—and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for legal assistance initiatives. Digital Innovation & Conservation: In line with DILG directives to conserve energy, the Board is prioritizing a digital transition, including the implementation of automated booking systems to better manage the league’s 17,000 members. ​A Commitment to Ethical Leadership ​National Chairman Atty. Raul Corro closed the session by reaffirming the league's dedication to its mandate: ​"The PCL remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, innovation, and ethical leadership. As we navigate the current economic landscape, our focus remains on empowering local legislators nationwide and ensuring that our institution evolves to meet the needs of a modernizing Philippines." #PCL2026 #PublicService #LocalGovernance #DigitalTransition #Accountability #LegislativeExcellence

🎉 HISTORIC VICTORY: GSIS Law Amendments Unanimously Passed in Committee! 🏛️ ​Today, May 20, 2026, the House Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization officially and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED several bills allowing elected officials and other non-career government workers the option to pay voluntary contributions to the GSIS to enjoy retirement and other benefits after completing the minimum 15-year requirement under the present GSIS law. ​The bills, which seek to amend the present GSIS Law (R.A. 8291) requiring a minimum premium contribution of 15 years before entitlement to retirement and other benefits, were sponsored by several representatives and were consolidated and approved by the Committee. It is now set for the House plenary, after which it will be transmitted to the Senate for the passage of a counterpart bill and then the final approval of the law to be signed by the President. ​In a powerful testament to the justice of our cause, the Committee members themselves didn't just cast their votes—they accompanied the approval with their own full support and deeply emotional appeals to ensure our public servants are protected. ​The PCL delegation strongly presented unified sentiments led by Atty. Raul R. Corro – National Chairman. Also in attendance and support were National President Benjamin C. Abalos III, National Secretary General Francis Marion Marcos, Dr. Helario Caminero Executive Director and Communications Director Dr. Gina Perez. ​🔍 Key Pillars Unanimously Approved: ​1️⃣ The Voluntary Contribution Option: Protecting the hard-earned contributions of separated public servants, ensuring their dedication doesn't go "in vain" due to term limits or administrative transitions. ​2️⃣ Lowering the Optional Retirement Age: Transitioning the optional retirement bracket from 60 down to 56 years old in solidarity with the Civil Service Commission. ​We extend our deepest, most profound gratitude to Committee Chairperson Hon. Eric L. Olivarez, Committee Vice-Chairperson Hon. Ann Matibag (who presided over the hearing on behalf of Rep. Olivarez), and authors/sponsors like Hon. Antonio Tinio, Hon. Ricardo S. Cruz, Jr., Hon. Rolando "Ding" Macasaet, and Hon. King Collantes, alongside all the co-sponsors and Committee members whose shared compassion and legislative will made this historic, unanimous victory possible. ​#PCLAdvocacy #GSISLawAmendment #UnanimousApproval #PublicServiceWithDignity #19thCongress #PCL2026 #CouncilorsNationwide #LegislativeVictory #GSISVoluntaryContribution #RetirementDignity

📢 TOWARDS A TRANSPARENT TOMORROW: PCL NATIONAL CHAIRMAN ATTY. RAUL CORRO ADVOCATES FOR FOI BILL PASSAGE 🇵🇭💼 ​HAPPENING TODAY | Philippine Councilors League (PCL) National Chairman Atty. Raul Corro represents the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) at a landmark multistakeholder forum: ​"FOI Now: Making Democracy Work for Filipinos" at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City on May 21, 2026. ​🏛️ ​With the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill elevated as a presidential priority, this high-level forum unites diverse sectors to convert political momentum into legislative reality. The event serves as a strategic rallying point to build a sustainable, next-generation participatory ecosystem that strengthens public trust and state accountability. ​The forum is organized by four Washington-based organizations: Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), International Republican Institute (IRI), National Democratic Institute (NDI), and ​Solidarity Center. ​In partnership with key national, economic, and civic stakeholders: Makati Business Club (MBC) & Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), & the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Labor Groups, and Youth Leaders. ​Representing local governments nationwide through ULAP, Atty. Raul Corro joins business, labor, youth, and media advocates in articulating a shared agenda. By showcasing existing local mechanisms and identifying the legal gaps that only a full FOI law can address, the coalition aims to produce a definitive, long-term call to action. ​PCL remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and proactive public disclosure. Together with our national and international partners, we stand united for the swift passage of the FOI Law! ​#PCLOfficial #ULAP #FOINow #GoodGovernance #AttyRaulCorro #TransparencyInAction #FOIPhilippines #BagongPilipinas

UAP & PCL Collaborate to Modernize Las Piñas Advocacy Center ​ The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) have initiated talks to transform the PCL Hostel and Advocacy Center into a premier professional hub. ​Leading the technical evaluation, the UAP—represented by Architects Mark Anthony Solis, Rey Bolleser, Maria Carmen Yatco, Robbie Santos, and Aileen Dela Vega—conducted a comprehensive structural assessment. This expert collaboration ensures that the renovation adheres to the highest architectural standards, providing the blueprint for the league's modernization. ​ ​Under the leadership of PCL National Chairman Atty. Raul Coro and National President Hon. Benjamin Abalos III, these discussions represent a flagship effort to professionalize the league’s physical assets. ​The planning phase has moved forward through several key milestones: ✅​April 13, 2026: Preliminary framework session held at Rockwell, Makati City. ✅​May 6, 2026: On-site technical ocular inspection of the Las Piñas facility. ​Key officials supporting the site visit included Executive Director Dr. Larry Caminero, National Convenor of PCL Lawyers Club Atty. Alan Zulueta, Former National Treasurer Atty. Jesse Cruz, Las Piňas Councilor Danny Hernandez and Communications Director Dr. Gina Perez. ​National President Abalos highlighted the significance of these initial steps, stating: ​"This project is a vital step toward professionalizing the league’s infrastructure and providing a world-class hub for local legislators. This initiative reaffirms PCL’s commitment to providing superior facilities and services for its members".

📁 ACCESS THE FULL COPY OF PETITION Re Mandanas -Garcia Ruling: SUPREME COURT PETITION FOR LGU FISCAL AUTONOMY] ⚖️📑🇵🇭 In the interest of transparency and to keep our members fully informed, we are providing a copy of the said petition here on our Community Page. We encourage all local legislators to review the document to understand the legal basis of our fight for fiscal autonomy. ​🔍 WHAT IS AT STAKE? We are seeking to declare the inclusion of the P1.19 Trillion National Tax Allotment (NTA) in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as NULL AND VOID. ​Key points from our petition: ​Automatic Release is a Right: The NTA is a constitutionally mandated share that must be automatically released. It is not a national expenditure subject to legislative approval. ​Preventing Financial Shortfalls: Because the NTA was tied to the GAA, the delay in passing the 2026 budget led to a reenactment of 2025 figures, causing an aggregate shortfall of P155.9 Billion for LGUs nationwide. ​Ending "Gatekeeping": Treating the NTA as an appropriation subjects it to presidential vetoes and budget execution controls that can freeze or diminish local funds. ​Protecting Local Services: Uncertainty in these funds directly harms our ability to deliver time-bound health, infrastructure, and social service projects. ​"This petition is a commitment to the 17,000 local legislators we represent," says PCL National Chairman Atty. Raul R. Corro. "We are ensuring the NTA remains a protected, independent share for the benefit of the grassroots level." ​📰 Sources: Manila Bulletin ABS-CBN ​#PCLat35 #FiscalAutonomy #MandanasGarciaRuling #PublicServiceAboveSelf #SupremeCourt #Transparency #LocalGovernance

PCL STANDS WITH VICE GOV. DODO MANDANAS FOR LGU FISCAL AUTONOMY] ⚖️🇵🇭 ​The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) is taking a historic stand to protect the constitutional rights of our Local Government Units! ​Led by National Chairman Atty. Raul R. Corro and Executive Director Dr. Helario "Larry" Caminero, the PCL has officially joined Batangas Vice Governor Hermilando "Dodo" Mandanas in a petition filed before the Supreme Court. ​What is this about? We are challenging the inclusion of the P1.19 Trillion National Tax Allotment (NTA) in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Our goal is to declare this inclusion null and void, as it violates the constitutional principle of the automatic release of local funds. ​Why is it important? ​Constitutional Mandate: Under the 1987 Constitution, local tax shares must be automatically released. ​Fiscal Independence: Treating the NTA as a discretionary national appropriation creates unnecessary oversight that can delay vital local services. ​Grassroots Impact: This legal move ensures that funds for health, infrastructure, and social services reach our constituents directly and without delay. ​"Our support for this petition is a commitment to the 17,000 local legislators we represent," says Chairman Atty. Raul R. Corro. "We are ensuring that the NTA reaches the grassroots level as mandated by the law." ​The PCL remains steadfast in enforcing the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling to ensure every municipality and city has the stable financial foundation it deserves. ​Witnessed by the PCL Advocacy/CLLEP Team: Atty. Alan Zulueta, Psyche Sucaldito, Oden Berces, and Junjie Navales Cruz. ​#PCLat35 #LocalGovernance #FiscalAutonomy #MandanasGarciaRuling #PublicServiceAboveSelf #PhilippineCouncilorsLeague ​📸 Photo Courtesy of the Office of Councilor Atty. Raul Corro Raul and VGov Dodo Mandanas, Batangas.

SILG REMULLA EMPOWERS PCL LEADERSHIP: SWEARS IN NATIONAL AND ISLAND OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS FOR 2026–2028 TERM ​PASAY CITY — DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla administered the oath of office to the newly elected National and Island Officers as well as the Chairpersons of the different t National Committees of the Philippine Councilors League for the term 2026-2028 during the National Congress held at the World Trade Center on March 4-6 which also coincided with the celebration of the 35th year of the League. ​The high-profile ceremony gathered thousands of local legislators nationwide who witnessed the transition of leadership for the 17,000-strong organization. Leading the new slate of officers is re-elected National Chairman Atty. Raul R. Corro of Muntinlupa City and newly-elected National President Benjamin Abalos III of Mandaluyong City who ran unopposed, together with the other National Executive Officers and Island Officers which augurs well for the stronger unity and stability of the league. ​The 2026–2028 PCL National Officers ​The following officers were formally sworn into their respective positions: ​National Chairman : Atty. Raul R. Corro ​National President: Benjamin Abalos III ​National Vice Chairman: Ricardo Pepito, Cebu ​National Executive Vice President: Samuel Huertas, Iligan City ​National Secretary General: Francis Marion Marcos, Mindoro Oriental ​National Treasurer: Jaybee Baquiran, Ilocos Norte ​National Auditor: Jallen Alipio, Pangasinan ​National Public Relations Officer (PRO): Bruno Bouffard III, Negros Oriental ​National Liaison Officer: John Paul C. Pimentel, Surigao del Sur ​In addition to the national officers, Secretary Remulla also administered the oath to the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao island officers, national deputy officers, and the chairpersons of the national standing committees and special creation committees. ​Mindanao Island Officers: ​Island Vice-Chairperson: Myrna L. Dalodo-Ortiz – Davao City ​Island Vice-President: Michael Stephen Pacquiao – General Santos City ​Island Secretary General: Atty. Cairoden P. Pangunotan – Buldon, Maguindanao Del Norte ​Island Treasurer: Ian C. Uy, Iligan City ​Island Auditor: Glenn Omaña – Manukan, Zamboanga Del Norte ​Island Public Relations Officer: Jose Rufino B. Ladao – Sagay, Camiguin ​Visayas Island Officers: ​Island Vice-Chairperson: Em L. Ang – Bacolod City ​Island Vice-President: Jo Jan Paul J. Peñol – Iloilo City ​Island Secretary General: Winston C. Pepito – Cebu City ​Island Treasurer: Chiqui Ruth C. Uy – Palo, Leyte ​Island Auditor: Racel Renz Bamo – San Rafael, Iloilo ​Island Public Relations Officer: Willou Camilotes Tan – Bohol ​Luzon Island Officers: ​Island Vice-Chairperson: Joan Crystal D. Aguas – Angeles City ​Island Vice-President: Michael B. Fernandez – Dagupan City ​Island Secretary General: Kyle Jassel J. Salazar – General Trias City, Cavite ​Island Treasurer: Wencerom Benedict C. Lagumbay – Quezon City ​Island Auditor: Christopher Jake E. Tan – Cuyo, Palawan ​Island Public Relations Officer: Elmer S. Baldemoro – Naga City #pcl35years #PCL #PublicServiceAboveSelf

PCL at 35: National Chairman Atty. Raul Corro Highlights Local "Legislators’ Welfare" as Catalyst for Stronger Public Service ​PASAY CITY – Addressing its over 17,200 members at the 2026 National Congress held at the World Trade Center on March 4-6, Philippine Councilors League (PCL) National Chairman Atty. Raul Corro delivered a landmark "National Chairman’s Report," marking the league’s 35th anniversary with a clear vision: that the professional and personal welfare of local legislators is the primary engine of effective governance. ​Speaking before a packed audience from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Councilor Corro reflected on the league’s journey since its founding in 1990, emphasizing that the PCL’s primordial goal remains the personal care and professional development of its members. ​"We firmly believe that if we take care of the personal benefits and professional growth of our councilors, our public service is all the more strengthened," Atty. Corro stated. "Inspired and motivated legislators serve the people better, “ he added. ​A Legacy of Welfare and Benefits ​Atty. Corro detailed a comprehensive "Two-Fold Welfare Program" that has defined his leadership: ​1. Personal & Social Security: ​Salary & Eligibility: Enforcement of Salary Step Increments (retroactive to 2010) and the Eligibility Law (RA 10156), granting professional civil service eligibility to three-term councilors without taking the civil service examinations. ​GSIS Advocacy: A major push for a law allowing three-termers to complete the minimum 15-year contribution for retirement benefits by giving them an option to pay voluntary contribution to GSIS, with the bill already approved in the Lower House and currently moving toward Senate approval. ​Direct Support: Continued provision of medical, hospitalization, death benefits, and calamity assistance, alongside the affordable use of the PCL Hostel and Research Center and PCL vehicles. ​2. Professional Growth & Innovation: ​Flagship Education: The quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) and the PCL Legislative Academy, which has produced over 10,000 college, Masteral and doctoral graduates. ​Gawad Galing Lokal na Batas: The launching of the search for model ordinances to recognize excellence in local legislation and their authors and encourage replication across LGUs via the new PCL Portal. ​Digital Transformation and Transparency ​Atty. Corro highlighted the league's shift toward Digital Innovation, a journey started in 2022 to streamline National Assemblies and conventions. To ensure integrity, he announced the pending "Turnover Policy," requiring all outgoing officers to submit formal financial and documentary records to their successors. ​PCL on the Global Stage ​In a historic milestone for international relations, Atty. Corro announced that the PCL now serves as the international headquarters for the Asian Council Forum (ACF), with Corro serving as its President. Plans are currently underway to transition the ACF into the Global Council Forum, expanding its footprint to Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. Additional Programs ​Further expanding the league's reach, the PCL Lawyers Club was created to provide legal aid, and the PCL Economic Enterprise Center was established to spearhead income-generating programs for the organization’s sustainability. ​A Call for Integrity Amidst Crisis ​Addressing the current national climate, Atty. Corro touched upon the "flood control scandal" affecting public trust. He challenged councilors to view this crisis as an opportunity to restore faith in government through local-level integrity. ​"The strength of PCL lies in the support and commitment of every councilor," Corro concluded. "Our local legislators are the frontliners of hope. Come join us in this journey—the best is yet to come!" ​About the PCL ​The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) is the official organization of all city and municipal councilors in the Philippines, dedicated to empowering local legislators through education, advocacy, and welfare programs since 1990. #PublicServiceAboveSelf #PCL35Years #LocalLegislator #LGUs #PCL

The Philippine Councilors League: 35 Years of Legislative Excellence 🇵🇭🏛️ As we celebrate our 35th Founding Anniversary under the theme "35 Taon: Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas," the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) stands as the bedrock of local democracy. Representing over 17,000 city and municipal councilors, the PCL remains the collective voice of local legislative bodies in our national governance. Our Journey: From Vision to Institution 📜 The PCL traces its roots to the late 1980s, born from a national push for decentralization. The idea of a unified federation emerged in 1989 following a landmark assembly in Metro Manila centered on the theme: "Local Autonomy: Key to National Progress and Stability." This collective momentum led to the 1st National Congress on September 7–9, 1990, where our Constitution and By-Laws was ratified. Shortly after, the league gained formal juridical personality through SEC registration on September 17, 1990. The league’s influence was permanently solidified by Republic Act No. 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991), which formally recognized and institutionalized federations of elective local officials. The Pillars of Leadership 🤝 For three and a half decades, the PCL has been steered by distinguished legislators who have championed the integrity and welfare of their colleagues. Our leadership legacy includes: 1990–1996: Led by the pioneering National Chairman Guillermo Altuna (Quezon City), alongside National Presidents Ponciano Subido (Manila) and Luis Bustamante (Las Piñas). 1996–2011: Guided by leaders such as Froilan Melendrez (Cotabato City), Salvador Pangilinan (Makati), Eufemio Lagumbay (Quezon City), Michael Rama (Cebu City), Atty. Elmer Datuin (Baguio City), Carlo Fortuna (Mandaue City), Michael Fernandez (Dagupan City), and Victor "Jun" Ferrer (Quezon City). 2011–2017: A period marked by the leadership of National Chairmen Atty. Alan Zulueta (Tagum City) and Alma Moreno (Parañaque City), and National President Maybeline Fernandez (Dagupan City). 2017–present: Continued by Danilo Dayanghirang (Davao City), Luis "Chavit" Singson (Ilocos Sur), Jose Nelson Sala (Davao del Sur), Atty. Raul Corro (Muntinlupa), Handy Lao (Laoag City) and Benjie Abalos (Mandaluyong). Empowering Progress through Education ✨ The PCL is more than just a league; it is a center for professional growth. In close partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), we empower your local leaders through the Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP). This program ensures that every councilor remains updated on the latest jurisprudence and administrative trends, directly translating to more responsive, ethical, and effective laws for every Filipino. By fostering professional growth and advocating for local autonomy, the PCL ensures that your local government is a vital partner in building a Bagong Pilipinas. #PCL35Years #LocalGovernance #LegislativeExcellence #BagongPilipinas #PublicService

The Philippine Councilors League: 35 Years of Legislative Excellence 🇵🇭🏛️ As we celebrate our 35th Founding Anniversary under the theme "35 Taon: Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas," the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) stands as the bedrock of local democracy. Representing over 17,000 city and municipal councilors, the PCL remains the collective voice of local legislative bodies in our national governance. Our Journey: From Vision to Institution 📜 The PCL traces its roots to the late 1980s, born from a national push for decentralization. The idea of a unified federation emerged in 1989 following a landmark assembly in Metro Manila centered on the theme: "Local Autonomy: Key to National Progress and Stability." This collective momentum led to the 1st National Congress on September 7–9, 1990, where our Constitution and By-Laws was ratified. Shortly after, the league gained formal juridical personality through SEC registration on September 17, 1990. The league’s influence was permanently solidified by Republic Act No. 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991), which formally recognized and institutionalized federations of elective local officials. The Pillars of Leadership 🤝 For three and a half decades, the PCL has been steered by distinguished legislators who have championed the integrity and welfare of their colleagues. Our leadership legacy includes: 1990–1996: Led by the pioneering National Chairman Guillermo Altuna (Quezon City), alongside National Presidents Ponciano Subido (Manila) and Luis Bustamante (Las Piñas). 1996–2011: Guided by leaders such as Froilan Melendrez (Cotabato City), Salvador Pangilinan (Makati), Eufemio Lagumbay (Quezon City), Michael Rama (Cebu City), Atty. Elmer Datuin (Baguio City), Carlo Fortuna (Mandaue City), Michael Fernandez (Dagupan City), and Victor "Jun" Ferrer (Quezon City). 2011–2017: A period marked by the leadership of National Chairmen Atty. Alan Zulueta (Tagum City) and Alma Moreno (Parañaque City), and National President Maybeline Fernandez (Dagupan City). 2017–present: Continued by Danilo Dayanghirang (Davao City), Luis "Chavit" Singson (Ilocos Sur), Jose Nelson Sala (Davao del Sur), Atty. Raul Corro (Muntinlupa), Handy Lao (Laoag City) and Benjie Abalos (Mandaluyong). Empowering Progress through Education ✨ The PCL is more than just a league; it is a center for professional growth. In close partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), we empower your local leaders through the Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP). This program ensures that every councilor remains updated on the latest jurisprudence and administrative trends, directly translating to more responsive, ethical, and effective laws for every Filipino. By fostering professional growth and advocating for local autonomy, the PCL ensures that your local government is a vital partner in building a Bagong Pilipinas. #PCL35Years #LocalGovernance #LegislativeExcellence #BagongPilipinas #PublicService