Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay vowed to bridge the gap between national legislation and local government realities during visits to Batangas and Laguna local government units (LGUs).
Binay highlighted her frustration with laws enacted without consulting LGUs, leading to inefficient implementation. “Kapag mayor ka, nakikita mo yung mga batas na ipinapasa nila na nakaka-frustrate dahil hindi kinukonsulta yung mga local government…Hindi nila naiintindihan kung saan tayo nanggagaling,” she said during her visit to Santo Tomas City Hall in Batangas. Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar and Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez warmly welcomed her.
She cited the Solo Parent Act as an example, noting its financial burden on LGUs. “May mga munisipyo at mga lungsod na hindi kaya yung pagbibigay ng allowance para sa solo parents…hindi parehas. Hindi po masyadong pinag-isipan,” Binay explained.
Binay pledged to push for amendments to the Local Government Code if elected, including regular salaries and GSIS and PAGIBIG coverage for barangay officials. She emphasized that her experience as a local chief executive would help craft responsive policies tailored to LGU needs.
In Calamba City, Laguna, Binay reminisced about her college days at UP Los Baños while meeting Mayor Roseller Rizal and Vice Mayor Angelito Lazaro Jr. The officials expressed gratitude for Makati’s P1-million aid after Typhoon Kristine.
Binay also visited Biñan City Hall, where Mayor Walfredo Dimaguila Jr. and Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte discussed disaster preparedness initiatives. Biñan previously received financial assistance from Makati following Typhoons Kristine and Leon.
Throughout her visits, Binay reiterated her advocacies, including free maintenance medicines for seniors, improved preschool education, and tax exemptions on overtime pay and bonuses to boost workers’ take-home pay. She is set to visit Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao, and San Pedro cities in Laguna as part of her campaign.
