PNoy props up QC as model of positive change

MANILA - President Benigno Aquino III called on local government officials to come up with projects that will have an impact on the lives of their constituents and veer away from those that will only benefit their political career. Speaking at this year's General Assembly of the League of Municipalities, Aquino used Quezon City as an example where positive changes extended beyond a politician's term. The President said changes initiated by former Mayor and now House Speaker Sonny Belmonte were improved by his successor, Mayor Herbert Bautista. He said Belmonte cleaned up the bureaucracy by removing 3,000 redundant employees inside Quezon City hall. He also improved tax collections during his watch. The President said Belmonte left Quezon City Hall with billions in savings and not debt. Aquino, meanwhile, assured local leaders that they have the support of the national government as long as they are on the right path. ANC Dateline Philippines, March 18, 2014