City mayors' group airs support for Noynoy

MANILA, Philippines – The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) pledged their full support to President Aquino following his endorsement of its new set of officers.

At least 88 mayors agreed to issue a manifesto of support for Mr. Aquino’s recommendation that the LCP choose leaders who could unify all local executives and achieve reforms despite their different political affiliations.

The President got the outright support not only of the Liberal Party, but also of the other opposition groups that voted for San Fernando, Pampanga Mayor Oscar Rodriguez as the LCP president in Saturday’s election of officers and general assembly at a hotel in Pasay City.

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri was elected chairman and Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza as secretary general.

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian was elected vice president for the National Capital Region.

Echiverri’s lineup won all key LCP positions, which he said was also due to the support of the league’s former president, Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr.

“I am very much grateful to Mayor Abalos for his support to our slate, whose main aspiration is to help uplift the living condition of every Filipino. We at the LCP are one in achieving it,” Echiverri said.

“Our victory at the LCP only proves that our country is now ready for a genuine reform under the leadership of President Aquino,” he added. 

The League of Cities has 121 members nationwide. Earlier, Mr. Aquino met with the LCP members to urge them to help res­tore the people’s trust in government.