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