Negros Occidental Mayors Call for LCP Meeting Amid National President’s Suspension

Victorias City, Philippines — The Association of Chief Executives (ACE) in Negros Occidental has urged the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) to hold a meeting led by national chair Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez following the suspension of its national president, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

According to Philippines News Agency, president of Negros ACE, the resolution passed on May 10 requests the LCP’s officers and board of directors to temporarily authorize Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to convene the league in Mayor Rama’s absence. He emphasized the need for continuity in the LCP’s initiatives, especially given the suspension of Mayor Rama on charges including grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who also serves as the LCP’s focal mayor for youth and sports development, mentioned that he had initiated two national programs scheduled for launch in the coming months. These programs have been approved by the national executive board, with the majority of members supporting their continuation.

The resolution highlights the importance of maintaining LCP operations and decision-making processes during periods of transition or absence of key officials to ensure the league continues to uphold the interests and objectives of its member-local government units. The Office of the Ombudsman’s recent actions on May 8 included the suspension of Mayor Rama and seven other officials from Cebu City over allegations related to the non-payment of salaries to several city hall employees, necessitating this call for leadership continuity.