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

📁 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.

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

🏛️Empowering Local Legislators: The PCL Hub is Now Live! The Philippine Councilors League is proud to announce the opening of our new PCL Hub—a dedicated space for collaboration, learning, and legislative excellence. As the "backbone" of local governance, our councilors deserve a center that provides: 📡 Real-time Legislative Updates: Stay informed on DILG circulars and national mandates. 🤝 Collaborative Networking: Connect with fellow councilors across the region. 📚 Resource Library: Access templates for ordinances and resolutions to better serve your constituents. Together, let’s strengthen the voice of the Filipino people through smarter, more inclusive legislation. Visit the Hub today! 📍 https://www.pclhub.online/ #PCLHub #LocalGovernance #PublicService #PhilippineCouncilorsLeague