ILOILO City – With the May 12 elections fast approaching, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a directive to all local chief executives (LCEs) across Western Visayas: form your Local Governance Transition Teams (LGTTs) now — or face possible administrative sanctions.
The order comes amid heightened concern over potential governance disruptions during the handover of power to newly-elected or re-elected officials in cities, municipalities, and provinces.
DILG Region 6 director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said the measure is intended to ensure a seamless, transparent, and accountable transition process.
It’s a safeguard for the integrity of local governance, Ingeniero stressed, citing DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-016 issued by Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla. Transitions must not be marred by confusion, missing documents, or vanishing assets.
Among the top priorities of the LGTTs are the protection of government records and assets, smooth turnover of responsibilities, and continuous delivery of public services.
The teams are also tasked with compiling a final transition report (FTR) to identify gaps and recommend improvements for future transitions.
Red Flags for Outgoing Officials
The DILG emphasized that officials who fail to comply with the directive may be held administratively liable under Sections 375 to 377 of the Local Government Code.
DILG directors are likewise under orders to conduct compliance monitoring, provide technical assistance, and submit Local Governance Transition Monitoring Reports (LGTMRs) by July 11, 2025.
Who Makes Up the Transition Team?
Each LGTT will be chaired by the incumbent LCE, with department heads, DILG officers, the Sanggunian secretary, and representatives from accredited civil society or people’s organizations serving as members.
What the Teams Must Accomplish:
* Inventory of LGU Properties – A detailed audit of all government assets, from buildings and land to vehicles and furniture, with photographs and condition reports.
* Preservation of Official Records – Protection of key documents including governance assessments, COA reports, development plans, contracts, and legislative agendas. The DILG strongly urges digital archiving.
* Turnover Accountabilities – A formal handover ceremony, complete with operational briefings and documentation, is mandated. Orientation sessions and post-election debriefings are also part of the process.
* Compliance and Final Reporting – Each LGU must submit an FTR summarizing all transition activities, challenges, and forward-looking recommendations.
* Monitoring by the DILG – Regional directors must oversee compliance and provide assistance where needed, ensuring all LGUs follow transition protocols to the letter.
Ingeniero said this is about protecting public trust. Every outgoing official must leave the office with transparency and accountability.”/PN
