Pimentel, Belmonte offer advice to new local execs

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. give "words of wisdom" to newly elected local chief executives on how to effectively manage their respective localities.

Pimentel, a seasoned politician from Mindanao, advised newly elected local chief executives to master the Local Government Code so they can effectively deliver basic services to the people.

Belmonte, named as outstanding city mayor the Philippines for 2003, urged newly elected officials to concentrate on the basics before venturing into more complicated endeavors.

He said priority must be focused on the financial management of the local government to generate funds and avoid unnecessary expenses.

"You must value money," Belmonte said. "Spend only for the needs."

The Quezon City mayor was speaking from experience. When he assumed the top city post in 2001, Quezon City was in financial distress with general fund of negative P10 million and a bank credit of over a billion pesos.

From scratch, Belmonte successfully restored the financial health of the city , which is now the richest in the country today.

Also imparting their knowledge during the former were Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Bataan Gov. Tet Garcia.

Among the newly elected local chief executives present in the forum were Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, Cainta, Rizal Mayor Mon Ilagan, Odiongan, Romblon Mayor Jemlyn Fernandez and Romblon Rep. Eduardo Firmalo.

Pimentel, who is the author of the Local Government Code, said all local chief executives should know by heart its provisions so they understand the scope of their powers and their responsibility in local governance.

He said that by knowing their powers, local chief executives can assert and fight for their rights in any given