Councilors hailed as “quiet backbone of local governance”

CEBU, Philippines — Philippine Councilors League (PCL)–Cebu Federation president Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito paid tribute to municipal and city councilors across the province, calling them the “quiet backbone of local governance” during the PCL Year-End Assembly attended by councilors from various LGUs in Cebu on November 26.

Blending humor with solemn recognition of public service, Pepito joked that councilors had become “disaster-proof and stress-proof” after a year marked by calamities and tight budgets.

“With all the typhoons and earthquakes, and the budget hearings we survived this year, I’m convinced councilors are now officially disaster-proof and stress-proof. If only our honorarium was also disaster-proof,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

He then reflected on the councilors’ dedication amid successive disasters in Cebu this year.

“Leadership does not retreat in the face of hardship. Despite the wind and despite the rubble, you stood your ground,” Pepito said.

He highlighted how councilors worked on the ground during emergencies, even while personally affected.

“I saw councilors in evacuation centers while the storm was still raging. I saw councilors coordinating relief while power was still out. I saw councilors checking every sitio and purok to ensure no family was left behind,” he added, noting that many continued to serve even when their own homes or families were at risk.

“That is why I can say this with pride: councilors are the bridge between government and the people. You are the leaders who show up when others cannot,” he said.

Looking ahead, Pepito urged councilors to carry three commitments into 2026: renewing purpose, strengthening unity, and leading with courage.

“Public service is not measured during peaceful days. It is proven during the storm,” he said, stressing that disasters erase politics and partisanship.

“When the typhoon hit, no one asked about political colors. When the earthquake struck, no one asked which party you belonged to. We simply helped,” he said, rallying the audience with the call: “One PCL. One mission. One heart for service.”

Pepito also emphasized that leadership is proven beyond the session hall—on the ground, in disaster zones, and in distressed communities.

He said leadership is seen “in roads buried by landslides, in calming people who have lost everything, and in bringing hope even in hardship.”

He closed his message by honoring councilors as modern-day heroes in their communities.

“You were the light when your communities were in darkness. You were the steady voice when people were afraid. And because of your courage, families felt hope again,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment as PCL–Cebu president, Pepito pledged to continue leading with integrity, transparency, and dedication.

“Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will rise. Together, we will make 2026 a year of stronger councils and stronger communities,” he said.

PCL national chairman Atty. Raul Corro, in his own keynote speech, also highlighted Cebu’s resilience in the face of multiple disasters, including the powerful earthquake in the north, typhoons Tino and Uwan, and the most recent effects of tropical depression Verbena.

Corro, who is a councilor from Muntinlupa City, said their LGU has extended P8 million worth of financial assistance to Bogo City, Medellin, Tabogon, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Bantayan, and Tuburan. Medical teams, canine rescue units, and emergency supplies were also deployed.

The PCL national assembly is set to be held in Lapu-Lapu City from December 1–3, 2025, hosting more than 2,000 councilors from across the country.

Corro also reminded councilors that elected officials, including them, may enjoy salary step increments and professional eligibility through initiatives spearheaded by the PCL.

Historically, only appointed officials were entitled to salary step increases. Through persistent PCL advocacy, the Department of Justice issued a legal opinion affirming that elected officials should also benefit.

He likewise discussed professional civil service eligibility under Republic Act 10156, which grants eligibility to elected officials who have served three terms (not necessarily consecutive) and are college graduates without taking the civil service examination. Non-college graduates with at least 72 units and two terms may receive sub-professional eligibility.

Significantly, the PCL successfully removed the two-year deadline for civil service eligibility, allowing officials to apply anytime after completing their terms. — /FPL (FREEMAN)