By Chito Chavez
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the late former Senate President Aquilino “Nene’’ Pimentel.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Photo from Philippine Information Agency / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año described the revered Pimentel as one of the country’s greatest political figures.
Pimentel was known as the father of the Local Government Code and was the Interior and Local Government Secretary during the Cory Aquino administration.
Describing Pimentel as an esteemed statesperson, Año acknowledged him for being the principal author of the landmark Republic Act 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991), which gave LGUs the power and capability to provide for the basic needs of the people within their provinces, cities, municipalities, even up to the barangays.
As former Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City, Pimentel understood the cause of decentralization and local empowerment.
The DILG chief noted that Pimentel and President Duterte were the country’s foremost advocate of a Federal system of government.
“Even if he is no longer with us, this Department will continue his advocacy for change and political reform through our program for constitutional reform (CORE),’’ Año said.
“In this trying time, we ask the Filipino people to offer prayers for the soul of former Senator Nene Pimentel. We also ask all Local Government Units nationwide to remember him in your activities as we commemorate Local Government month and urge them to place your flags at half-mast as a sign of respect to this great advocate of local autonomy and empowerment,’’ he added.
“May perpetual light shine upon him, and the Lord grant him eternal rest," the DILG chief concluded.
READ MORE: Former Senate President ‘Nene’ Pimentel passes away at 85
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Photo from Philippine Information Agency / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año described the revered Pimentel as one of the country’s greatest political figures.
Pimentel was known as the father of the Local Government Code and was the Interior and Local Government Secretary during the Cory Aquino administration.
Describing Pimentel as an esteemed statesperson, Año acknowledged him for being the principal author of the landmark Republic Act 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991), which gave LGUs the power and capability to provide for the basic needs of the people within their provinces, cities, municipalities, even up to the barangays.
As former Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City, Pimentel understood the cause of decentralization and local empowerment.
The DILG chief noted that Pimentel and President Duterte were the country’s foremost advocate of a Federal system of government.
“Even if he is no longer with us, this Department will continue his advocacy for change and political reform through our program for constitutional reform (CORE),’’ Año said.
“In this trying time, we ask the Filipino people to offer prayers for the soul of former Senator Nene Pimentel. We also ask all Local Government Units nationwide to remember him in your activities as we commemorate Local Government month and urge them to place your flags at half-mast as a sign of respect to this great advocate of local autonomy and empowerment,’’ he added.
“May perpetual light shine upon him, and the Lord grant him eternal rest," the DILG chief concluded.
READ MORE: Former Senate President ‘Nene’ Pimentel passes away at 85