Noval: PCL election strictly observed guidelines

CEBU, Philippines – Contrary to an earlier statement of Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, the election of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines was conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations set by the league, Department of Interior and Local Government 7 Director Pedro Noval Jr. said yesterday.

Noval said it is possible that Sanchez might simply have misquoted him, as they were reportedly talking about two things in a conversation last Monday morning. The LMP election for its provincial chapter was conducted last week.

Noval said that during his talk with the vice governor, he told Sanchez it is the LMP that will send notices to the mayors on the schedule and venue of the election. A notice is also sent to DILG because the agency is tasked to witness the conduct of the polls.

Contrary to what Sanchez said, Noval said he was actually informed about the election and the same was subsequently conducted in line with the rules and regulations set by LMP.

Noval explained the situation is different with the Philippine Councilors League because it is the PCL national board that sets the schedule of elections and subsequently informs the PCL provincial chapters about it. The PCL provincial chapter would then inform the DILG - province about the scheduled polls.

In fact, Noval said, even the DILG central office in Manila also informed the provincial office about the scheduled elections. It is reportedly DILG that sends notices to PCL members because the election committee itself is being chaired by DILG. 

Noval added it is not also true that the notices being sent to the mayors informed them only of a meeting and not an election. Noval said no less than DILG Provincial Director Edna Vicoy informed him that it was an election.

Aside from asking about the proper procedure in the conduct of LMP elections, Noval said Sanchez also asked to postpone the PCL elections slated today. Sanchez reportedly did not specify his reasons, but Noval said he informed the vice governor that only the PCL national board can act on the request.

Noval said the most probable reason that Sanchez was not informed about the elections of LMP and PCL is the fact that he is not a member of the two leagues, as he belongs to the Vice Governors League. (THE FREEMAN)