Belmonte bats for Echiverri to lead city mayors' league

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has endorsed Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri for the position of League of City Mayors president.

In a statement, Belmonte expressed confidence that Echiverri would be able to help president-elect Benigno Aquino III in implementing the necessary reforms in the Philippines. Belmonte stands as the Liberal Party’s bet for House speakership.

Belmonte underscored the importance of cooperation among leaders of local governments, particularly cities, so the people would be able to achieve the brand of change that they been longing for.

“Based on tradition, leaders of local leagues such as the League of Cities should belong to the same party as the president to fast-track projects pushed by Malacañang and those city leaders want accomplished,” he said.

Echiverri accepted Belmonte’s endorsement and at the same time pledged his sincere and utmost service to other city leaders and their constituents.

Echiverri, who is on his third consecutive term as Caloocan mayor, took over as president of the Metro Manila Mayors League when Belmonte vacated the post in order to focus on his campaign to win the highest position in the Lower House.